Zebra Dove
Geopelia striata
Also called Barred Ground Dove, Barred Dove, Perkutut (Indonesia), Merbuk (Malaysia)
From Southeast Asia: southern Thailand, Tenasserim, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to Sumatra and Java, possibly also Borneo, Bali and the Philippines; introduced to Hawaii, Tahiti, Mauritius, the Seychelles and other islands1
At a glance the quick version
Wingspan 24-26 cm.
8-12 years in captivity, sometimes 15+; a ringed wild bird reached at least 18.7 years.
Looks how to spot one
feathers
A small, slender dove with a long, narrow tail. The back and wings are grey-brown crossed with fine black-and-white bars, the breast is soft pink with barred sides, and the face is blue-grey with a ring of bare bluish skin around each eye.1
Personality what they are like
A calm, quiet-natured little dove that rarely shows aggression. It is sociable with its own kind and other small birds, though usually more content to be watched than handled.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Spends much of its time walking and foraging on the ground, so floor space matters as much as flying room.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Provide clean water daily in shallow dishes, free-choice fine grit and a calcium source such as crushed oyster shell, and keep the floor clean since the birds feed there.2
Home where they are happiest
For a pair, at least about 76 x 61 x 76 cm (30 x 24 x 30 in), with roughly 122 x 76 x 91 cm (48 x 30 x 36 in) or more preferred; bar spacing no wider than about 1.3 cm (1/2 in). An aviary with open floor area suits them well.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
In the wild it eats small grass and weed seeds plus some insects. In captivity a small-seed mix (millet, canary seed, rape seed) forms most of the diet, topped up with fresh greens such as lettuce and dandelion.12
Company who they like around
Best kept in pairs, which form strong bonds; fits peacefully into mixed aviaries with finches and canaries.2
The story where it all began
A native of the Malay Peninsula and nearby Indonesian islands, the zebra dove has long been kept for its voice and has been carried by people to many islands, reaching Mauritius before 1768 and Hawaii in 1922. In Thailand and Indonesia it remains a popular cage bird.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
In Thailand and Indonesia, owners enter their doves in cooing contests judged on the quality of their calls.1
- 2
It forages with quick, shuffling, almost mouse-like movements along bare ground and roadsides.1
- 3
One ringed wild bird was found to be at least 18.7 years old.3
- 4
Only males coo persistently, which is one of the few hints for telling the sexes apart.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Listed as Least Concern.1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Zebra Dove. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- Fresh food and waterevery day
- Loft spot cleanevery day
- Bath offerA shallow bath dishevery 3 days
- Loft full cleanevery week
- Grit refillevery week
- Nails checkevery month
- Vet check-upFind a vet who sees birdsevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Zebra Dove?
Provide fresh food and water every day. A small-seed mix with millet, canary seed, and rape seed forms the base, plus fresh greens like lettuce and dandelion. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.12 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Zebra Dove eat, and what should it never eat?
Your dove eats a small-seed mix and fresh greens such as lettuce and dandelion. Foods to avoid aren't listed here, so please ask a vet or experienced breeder about toxic items.12
How much space does a Zebra Dove need?
For a pair, a minimum of about 76 x 61 x 76 cm (30 x 24 x 30 in) is needed, but larger like 122 x 76 x 91 cm (48 x 30 x 36 in) is better. They love ground space for foraging, so floor area matters.2
What temperature, light or water does a Zebra Dove need?
Provide clean water daily in shallow dishes. Temperature and lighting needs vary; please consult an avian vet for specific guidance.2
How often should I clean a Zebra Dove's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests spot-cleaning the floor daily and doing a full clean weekly. Since they feed on the ground, keeping the floor clean is especially important. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Zebra Dove live with others?
Yes, they are sociable and best kept in pairs. They can live peacefully in mixed aviaries with finches and canaries.2
Can I handle a Zebra Dove?
They are calm and gentle but prefer to be watched rather than handled. With patience you may handle them, but they are not a bird that typically enjoys being held.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- Zebra dove - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, range, size, plumage, diet, history, cooing contests, IUCN
- Zebra Dove Species Guide - Furry Critter Network furrycritter.comused for captive care, cage size, diet, social needs, temperament, captive lifespan
- AnAge: Zebra dove (Geopelia striata) - Human Ageing Genomic Resources genomics.senescence.infoused for body mass, maximum longevity
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.