The Turtle Dove is a dainty dove, smaller and darker than the Collared Dove and slightly larger than a Blackbird. Its upperparts are distinctively mottled with chestnut and black and its black tail has a bright white edge. The gentle purr of the Turtle Dove was once an evocative sound of summer prior to its decline in numbers.

Best looked for in woodland edges, hedgerows and open land with scattered bushes.

Arrives in late April and May, leaving again between July and September.

It is a seed eater.

It is mainly a bird of southern and eastern England, although it does reach as far as Wales. It has become increasingly rare following substantial population declines which make it a Red List species.

Following its recent decline it is now an uncommon migrant breeder in Leicestershire and Rutland.