Have you ever heard an old nursery rhyme called “The Turtle Dove” and wondered why it was called that? Well, you’re not the only one! It turns out the name “Turtle Dove” is steeped in history and has a lot of interesting facts associated with it.
The Turtle Dove is a species of bird that is native to the Northern Hemisphere and is known for its migratory flight patterns and its interesting courtship behavior. In fact, over 9 million Turtle Doves are known to migrate annually!
Throughout history, these birds have been used in literature as symbols of love, relationships, and peace. So, let’s find out why this species of bird is called a “Turtle Dove”.
Why is a Turtle Dove Called a Turtle Dove?
Have you ever seen a turtle dove and noticed its name and wondered why it is called a turtle dove?This article seeks to answer that question in detail.
Characteristics of the Turtle Dove
The Turtle Dove is a medium-sized and slender bird that can be found all over the world. The common Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) has a long pointed tail, a gray-brown neck plumage and is about 28cm long.The upper back is gray-brown with black and white markings, while the lower back is a light reddish-brown.
The Call of the Turtle Dove
The Turtle Dove is a very vocal bird and will make a rhythmic, repeated “turr turr” call throughout the day.This song is the basis for the name of the bird – the Turtle Dove.
The Symbolism of the Turtle Dove
Turtle Doves have a long history of being a symbol of peace, love and fidelity. It is believed that the Turtle Dove’s call is a symbol of companionship and its appearance indicates an unbreakable bond.In the Bible, Turtle Doves were a symbol of sacrifice, dedication and devotion when it was used to make offerings to God.
Conclusion
The Turtle Dove is an iconic bird with a long history of symbolism. Its long pointed tail, vocal calls and message of fidelity and devotion make it an important part of our culture and everyday lives.We can see why it has been named the Turtle Dove.
References:
https://www.audubon. org/field-guide/bird/turtle-dovehttps://www. rspb. org. uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/turtle-dove/https://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Turtle_dove