BREEDING BIOLOGY AND NESTING BEHAVIOUR OF THE LAUGHING DOVE (SPILOPELIA SENEGALENSIS) ACROSS DIFFERENT HABITATS OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: The Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis) is a common columbid bird species, however, limited information exists on its breeding biology and habitat preferences in South Asia. This study aimed to investigate the nesting characteristics, habitat selection, and breeding success of the species in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan.

Methods: Fieldwork was conducted during the 2025 breeding season, examining 97 nests across multiple habitat types. Data were collected on nesting position, nest height, preferred tree species, clutch size, hatching and fledging success, and factors contributing to breeding failure.

Results: Most nests were located in the middle parts of trees (44.82%), followed by forks (35.63%) and terminal branches (19.54%). Nests were typically constructed at moderate heights (3.1–4.0 m). The preferred nesting trees were Quercus incana (31.03%) and Olea ferruginea (16.09%). The mean clutch size was two eggs per nest, with hatching and fledging success rates of 67.74% and 20.68%, respectively. Predation and human disturbances were identified as major causes of breeding failure.

Conclusion: The Laughing Dove exhibited considerable ecological adaptability in nest-site and vegetation preferences. However, breeding success was notably reduced by natural predation and anthropogenic activities, emphasizing the need for habitat protection to enhance reproductive success.