Diamond Dove

The Gentle Jewel of the Aviary

The Diamond Doves are well adapted to dry environments and are often found near water sources in the wild. In aviculture, they are cherished as peaceful and elegant companions, ideal for both beginners and experienced bird keepers.

- Average length: 19–21 cm (7.5–8.5 inches)

- Wingspan: about 25–30 cm

- Weight: 30–40 grams

Despite their small body, their long tails give them an elegant look.

Appearance

True to their name, Diamond Doves are adorned with tiny white “diamond-like” spots across their wings, creating a sparkling effect. They have a slender body measuring about 7.5–9 inches in length, with a long tail and graceful posture. Their plumage is soft grey with lighter underparts, while their eyes are encircled by a striking orange-red eye ring, adding to their beauty.

Over time, selective breeding has produced several color mutations, including white, silver, cinnamon, pied, and fawn, each retaining the same gentle charm.

Personality and Behavior

Diamond Doves are gentle, calm, and non-aggressive birds, making them perfect for mixed aviaries. They are not noisy but produce soft, pleasant cooing sounds, often described as soothing and musical. Unlike parrots, they do not climb or play with toys, but they enjoy flying, sunbathing, and socializing with their mates.

They are monogamous by nature and form strong pair bonds. Mated pairs are often seen sitting close together, grooming each other, and sharing incubation duties during breeding.

In the wild, Diamond Doves thrive in dry, open habitats near water, especially riverbeds and sparsely wooded regions. They are ground foragers, feeding mainly on grass seeds and small grains, but will also take insects occasionally. They are highly social, preferring to live in pairs or small flocks.

Color Mutations in Aviculture

Selective breeding has produced several beautiful color mutations, making them even more popular among bird keepers. Some common mutations include:

- Silver (Pale Grey)

- White (Albino or Pied forms)

- Fawn

- Red-eyed (Ino)

- Yellow (Creamy shades with reduced markings)

- Pied varieties** (with random white patches on the body)

These mutations enhance their commercial and ornamental value, especially in aviaries and pet markets.

Care and Diet

Diamond Doves are hardy and relatively easy to care for. Their diet should primarily consist of:

- Seed Mix (millet, canary seed, and other fine seeds).

- Fresh greens such as spinach, lettuce, and grasses.

- Soft food and egg food during breeding for added nutrition.

- Grit and cuttlebone to aid digestion and provide essential calcium.

A spacious cage or aviary with horizontal flying space is ideal for these doves. They are ground feeders, so providing open dishes or trays at the base of the enclosure is recommended. With proper care, Diamond Doves can live 10–12 years in captivity.

Diamond Doves in Aviculture

Due to their beauty, peaceful nature, and ease of care, Diamond Doves have become one of the most popular dove species in aviculture. They breed readily when provided with nesting opportunities and a balanced diet. Their small size and calm temperament allow them to coexist with finches and other small soft-billed birds in aviaries.

Breeding Care of Diamond Dove

Diamond Doves are known for their ease of breeding in captivity, making them highly suitable for aviaries and bird enthusiasts. With the right care, they can breed successfully multiple times a year.

1. Breeding Age and Pairing

Diamond Doves reach sexual maturity at around 6–8 months. For strong breeding results, it is best to use birds that are at least 9–12 months old.

They form strong pair bonds, so once a compatible pair is established, they usually remain together for life.

2. Housing Requirements

Provide a spacious cage or aviary (minimum 90 cm length for a pair) with room for flying.

Use natural branches or perches of different thicknesses.

Keep them in a quiet, stress-free environment away from aggressive bird species.

3. Nesting Setup

In captivity, Diamond Doves prefer open shallow nest bowls or small baskets lined with soft nesting material such as dried grass, coconut fiber, or hay.

Place nesting sites in safe, elevated positions within the aviary.

Both the male and female contribute to nest building.

4. Diet for Breeding

During breeding, provide a high-quality seed mix with millet, canary seed, and small grass seeds.

Supplement with:

- Calcium (cuttlefish bone, mineral blocks) for strong eggshells.

- Greens (spinach, chickweed, lettuce) for vitamins.

- Egg food or soft food for extra protein during chick-rearing.

5. Breeding Cycle

- Clutch size: Usually 2 small white eggs.

- Incubation period: 13–14 days, shared by both parents (male incubates by day, female by night).

- Chick development:

- Hatchlings are tiny and helpless.Parents feed them with crop milk (a secretion produced in the crop) for the first week.

Afterward, they gradually introduce regurgitated seeds.

- Fledging: Young doves leave the nest at about 2–3 weeks of age.

- Independence: Fully weaned by 4–5 weeks.

6. Breeding Frequency

Diamond Doves are prolific breeders, capable of producing 5–6 clutches per year if conditions are favorable.

To prevent exhaustion, it is recommended to rest the pair after several clutches by removing the nest bowl for a period.

7. Health & Hygiene

Maintain a clean environment to prevent bacterial or fungal infections.

Replace nesting material after each clutch.

Provide regular access to grit to aid digestion.

8. Lifespan & Breeding Longevity

- Lifespan in captivity: 7–10 years.

- Productive breeding years: Up to 6 years with proper care.

Why Choose a Diamond Dove?

The Diamond Dove is an ideal bird for those who value grace, gentleness, and beauty in their aviary. With their jewel-like wing spots, soothing coos, and peaceful personalities, they bring elegance and serenity to any bird collection.

Nutritional Requirements : Macronutrient

Protein

- Maintenance: 12–14% of diet.

- Breeding & Chick Rearing: 15–16% (slightly higher for egg and chick development).

- Molting: 14–15%.

Supports muscle strength, feather regrowth, fertility, and chick growth.

Fats

Provides energy but should be minimal.

- Diamond doves are sensitive to excess fats and can become obese if given too many oily seeds.

Carbohydrates & Fiber

Carbohydrates fuel their active metabolism and flight activity.

- 65–70% of diet.

- Grains and seeds are the main food base.

Vitamins

- Vitamin A: Critical for immune function, vision, and feather health.

- Vitamin D3: Essential for calcium absorption and strong eggshells.

- Vitamin E: Boosts fertility and reproductive performance.

- Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and bone health.

- B-Complex Vitamins: Aid in metabolism, nervous system health, and feather quality.

Minerals

- Calcium: 0.8–1% of diet (must be boosted in females during breeding). Prevents egg-binding and ensures strong eggshells.

- Phosphorus: Balanced with calcium at a 2:1 ratio.

- Trace Minerals (zinc, iodine, selenium, iron): Needed in small amounts for immunity and chick development.

Water

Fresh, clean water should always be available. Even mild dehydration reduces breeding performance and affects feather quality.

Breeding Season Adjustments

For healthy Diamond Doves, aim for 12–14% protein, 4–5% fat, and 65–70% carbohydrates, with extra protein and calcium during breeding. A well-formulated seed mix, like The Aviarist Diamond Dove Mix, ensures long-term health, fertility, and excellent brood quality.

- Protein: Increase to 15–16% with sprouted seeds, soaked millet, egg food.

- Calcium & Vitamin D3: Provide cuttlebone and sunlight exposure (or supplements).

- Soft Foods: Sprouted seeds and soft grains help parents feed chicks easily.

Commercial Breeding of Diamond Dove

The Diamond Dove is a popular species among bird enthusiasts due to its gentle temperament, attractive plumage, and relatively low maintenance requirements. From a commercial perspective, breeding Diamond Doves in aviaries offers significant advantages. Their small size means they require less space and feed compared to larger aviary birds, making them cost-effective for breeders. Additionally, their steady demand in the pet trade, especially for ornamental aviaries and as companion birds, ensures a consistent market. Their reputation for being hardy breeders, with multiple clutches per year under proper care, further enhances their profitability. With growing interest in exotic yet manageable aviary species, Diamond Doves present a sustainable commercial opportunity for breeders.

Why The Aviarist Seed Mix?

The Diamond Dove’s combination of elegance, gentle temperament, and wide variety of mutations makes it both a favorite aviary bird and a profitable choice for commercial breeders.

Fuel their songs, colors, and vitality with The Aviarist Special Seed Mix for Diamond Dove—safe, nutritious, and specially crafted for all Diamond Dove varieties.