The feeding behaviour of pigeons and doves on sown grain crops on the South African Highveld

Abstract

Feeding behaviour of pigeons and doves on sown grain crops was studied on the South African Highveld during 1998-2002. Plots of grains (sunflower, sorghum and maize) were planted on the farm Nooitgedacht near Heidelberg (South Africa) to study the feeding and movement of columbids in these fields. More general studies were also conducted across the Highveld region to determine overall crop damage. Results show that Laughing Streptopelia senegalensis and Red-eyed Doves S. semitorquata as well as Rock Pigeons Columba guinea take seed directly from sunflower and sorghum plants. This is a first formal recording of this behaviour for Laughing and Red-eyed Doves in South Africa. Columbid populations have changed their movements and feeding methods in recent times to exploit available grain during the first half of the year. Unlike in Zimbabwe and Kenya, Cape Turtle Doves S. capicola were seldom seen feeding on grain seeds in sown lands on the Highveld. Rock Pigeons and Red-eyed Doves prefer soft sunflower seeds (about 31% moist content) relatively early in the season whereas Laughing Doves also consume very dry seeds (about 7% moist content) later in the season. Columbids are capable of inflicting crop damage on the Highveld; however, to get a more reliable indication of the national crop damage more site-specific surveys will be needed. Rock Pigeons are capable of removing the tubular florets from the sunflower heads in order to get access to the soft seeds. However, since these pigeons only remain for 2-3 weeks, they are probably not responsible for the bulk of the crop damage that sunflower incurs in South Africa. Granivorous paserienes and rodents are co-responsible for crop damage in South Africa.