Gentle cooing, fluttering wings, and a gentle presence in your garden. No, this isn’t some magical creature from a fairytale—it’s a fantail dove. From the same family as the ubiquitous pigeon, they come in a medley of colors, from snow white to warm beige and smoky gray. Let’s dive in to learn more about this enchanting bird variety.
The Different Varieties of Fantail Doves
You’d be surprised to know that Fantail Doves are a diverse crowd. They can be divided into four types, with a slight variation in appearance and skill set. Most commonly found are the ‘garden fantails’ and the ‘exhibition fantail’.
‘Garden Fantails’
These doves enjoy open spaces and are often seen fluttering around gardens or forming a social circle in your aviary, hence their name. They can make a simple garden look ethereal with their color and graceful flight.
‘Exhibition Fantail Doves’
With their large, extraordinary tails, these doves are more at home in an aviary. Their flight capability is somewhat reduced because of their large tail, making them easy prey if left to fly freely.
You might consider other bird varieties, too. But if you are at a wedding, you might spot a dove with an almost non-existent fantail!
How to Take Care of Fantail Doves
For the future dove parents out there, good news—Fantail Doves don’t demand a high maintenance lifestyle. However,. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Buy from reputable dealers only to assure that your bird has been well looked after and is in good health.
- ‘Garden fantails’ enjoy the outdoors immensely and only need to retreat to their aviary at night.
- Regardless of the type of Dove you settle for, they’ll require cleaning and a diet primarily consisting of specially made pigeon corn.
Housing Your Fantail Doves
Planning on adding some fantail doves to your feathered family? You’ll need to consider housing arrangements. How many you can accommodate will depend on your available space, but remember, these birds appreciate company as they usually flock in the wild.
Dovecote or Aviary?
For ease of maintenance, an aviary is your best bet. However, if you want to give these cheerful fellows room to spread their wings, a dovecote is an attractive alternative. Characterized by their visually pleasing design, dovecotes allow for a lot of freedom but do come with one caveat—your birds will have the freedom to come and go as they please, not at your whim.
Whether you’re considering owning a bunch, or casually observing them, Fantail Doves are a fascinating blend of beauty and personality. Enjoy their company, and remember, care for them well!