18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
A pair of Laughing Doves pecking each other and locking bills as part of their courtship ritual before mating.
A pair of Laughing Doves (Spilopelia senegalensis) exhibit an appeasement behavior called allopreening that involves gentle caressing, pecking, and preening during courtship. Here, the pair is seen locking bills as part of their courtship ritual before mating. Caressing, kissing, and preening during courtship are appeasement behaviors that strengthen the bond between the pair during the breeding season.
Photo Detail
Date Taken: | 01.2020 |
Date Uploaded: | 09.2020 |
Photo Location: | Sharjah, United Arab Emirates |
Camera: | NIKON D5500 |
Copyright: | © Chandana Roy |