Rare white-feathered laughing Dove spotted in Tamil Nadu forest

Rare White-Feathered Laughing Dove Spotted in Tamil Nadu Forest. (Representative Image: Canva)

A walk through the quiet trails of Nagamalai hillock recently offered birdwatchers an unusual surprise. Two bird enthusiasts stumbled upon a rare sight—a partially white laughing dove perched gently amid the forest near Nambiyur in Erode.

A Unique Find in Familiar Habitat

On 5 July, birders Shajan and Sundaramanickam captured the rare bird on camera. Unlike typical laughing doves (Spilopelia senegalensis), which usually have black primary and secondary feathers, this one displayed white in both areas. Experts say this unusual appearance is a result of leucism, a condition that causes partial loss of pigmentation in feathers.

“This isn’t albinism,” said Deepak Venkatachalam of Suzhal Arivom. “Leucistic birds retain natural eye and beak colour. Only their feathers become pale or patchy.” He added that such birds are uncommon but not unknown, and this individual likely lacked adequate feather pigment.

Spotting in Nagamalai Adds to Local Records

The Nagamalai forests are already known for rich biodiversity. This rare dove adds another species variation to the list, according to Deepak, who has long documented the region’s flora and fauna. The sighting of a leucistic laughing dove is significant for local naturalists, who continue monitoring the ecosystem.

Though rare, such pigment changes pose no threat to the bird’s health. The find has now been logged among recent unusual sightings, highlighting the forest’s growing reputation for ecological interest and diversity.

(Inputs From Indian Express)