Simon says: "Let's meet the Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis)"



Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis)

The Laughing Dove's name comes from its distinctive call: ha ha hoo hoo hoo .The dove is mentioned throughout the Bible, often carrying deep symbolism:

In the Psalms, the psalmist pleads: "Oh, do not deliver the life of Your turtledove to the wild beast!" (Psalm 74:19)

In Jeremiah, the prophet notes that "the turtledove, the swift, and the swallow observe the time of their coming" (Jeremiah 8:7) - highlighting the dove's migratory patterns 

In the Song of Songs, the beloved is called "my dove in the clefts of the rock" (Song of Songs 2:14) - a beautiful image of security & intimacy 

The dove was also used in sacrifices & purification rites in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 1:14; 5:7; 12:6,8) & Mary offered "a pair of turtledoves" at the Temple following the birth of Jesus'  (Luke 2:22-24) 


Our sages saw in the dove a metaphor for the Jewish people :

  • "Just as the dove is only saved by her wings, so, too, the Jews are only saved by the merit of their mitzvot." 

  • "Just like a dove once she meets her mate never leaves him for another… so are the Jewish people faithful to G‑d." 

  • When the dove tires, "she pushes off the ground with one wing and flies with the other" - a symbol of perseverance .


The Laughing Dove is

Monogamous: usually seen alone or in pairs, though flocks may form at watering spots 

Adaptable: often choosing urban life, making nests on windowsills or in flower pots 

Ground foragers: they mainly eat seeds, fruits, bulbs & insects 


When breeding season arrives:

  • The male collects twigs & the female builds the nest, usually in a fruit tree 

  • The female lays 1–6 eggs, typically 2 at a time, for a total of 10–16 eggs during spring or autumn breeding seasons 

  • Both parents take turns incubating the eggs for 12–14 days 

  • Chicks are initially fed "pigeon milk," a secretion from the adult doves' crops 

  • Chicks leave the nest at 12–13 days old - before they've even learned to fly! They become fully independent about 3–4 days later 


"Your voice is sweet & your face is lovely." (Song of Songs 2:14)

Would you like to follow the flight of the Laughing Dove across the ancient skies of Israel? 

Let's 'Imagine Israel' together 🇮🇱


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