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Bird species

Diamond Dove

Origin

🇦🇺

Australia

Size

Small Breed

Maintenance

Low

Classification

Columbiformes

Life Expectancy

10-15 years

Ideal Weather

18º-25ºC

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹2,500

Basic Lifestyle

₹3,499

Premium Lifestyle

Top 5 Traits

Affectionate

Gentle

Quiet

Curious

Social

A grey diamond dove with an orange eye ring and dark beak looks to the right

A grey diamond dove with white spots and an orange eye ring perches with a long tail

A grey diamond dove with red eye rings and white spots stands near a shallow water source

by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 22 Sept 2025

Introduction to Diamond Doves

Diamond Doves are one of the smallest birds and an elegant bird species. Theta reis is originally from Australia and is also known as Geopelia Cuneata. They have distinctive “diamond-like” spots on their wings, giving them the name ‘Diamond Dove’.

They are generally low-maintenance, gentle-natured birds and make good companions as pets. They are best suited for apartments and relatively small living spaces.

Lifespan of Diamond Doves

Diamond Doves can live up to 10 to 15 years in captivity. With proper diet, medical care, and affection, they can outlive their peers. Their lifespan can be shortened in the wild due to predators and harsh environmental conditions.

Physical Characteristics of Diamond Doves

These birds can grow up to 7.5 to 9 inches in length and weigh from 30 to 40 grams.
They have a soft, colored body with diamond-shaped spots on tiger wings. They also have striking red or orange eye-rings.
They have a small and delicate beak, which is greyish in color.
They have a long and pointed tail.
Male birds have brighter eye-rings and are louder than the females.

Temperament of Diamond Doves

Diamon Doves are peaceful and non-aggressive in nature.
They prefer to live in pairs and are sociable.
These birds are quieter with a soft cooing.
They are quite independent and don’t demand much attention.
They may be shy around humans at the beginning, but adapt after some time.

Characteristics

Affection

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Vocalization

Silent

Vocal

Intelligence

Low

High

Social Behavior

Prefer Isolation

Very Social

Nutrition Guidelines for Diamond Doves

Monthly Food Expenses

₹1,500 - ₹ 1,999

Ideal weight

30 - 40 grams

Essential Nutrients

Protein

Carbohydrates

Fats

Vitamins

Minerals

List of foods

Seeds

Leafy Greens

Fruits

Vegetables

Cooked eggs

Pellets

Diamond Doves require a balanced diet that contains proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fats. Here is what you should focus on while designing a diet for your bird.

Protein-rich food helps in muscle development and growth.
Fats are used in a balanced fashion that helps in providing energy and lustrous feathers.
Nutrients that support immunity, bone development, and joint health.

Best food to feed your Diamond Doves

Here are some of the best food items that you can feed your Diamond Doves-

Include seeds and pellets as the base food.
Include vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and leafy greens in their diet.
You can also feed them fruits like apples, strawberries, papaya, mangoes, and cherries.
Keeping them hydrated is equally important. Provide clean water in adequate amounts.

Foods that are harmful to Diamond Doves

Avoid anything with these ingredients

Dairy products

High-fat foods

Onions

Garlic

Caffeine

Alcohol

Just like how you got an idea of what all the food items should be fed to your pet bird. It is also essential to know what food items can cause harm to your pet. Here is a list of those food items that should be avoided-

Avoid food items that have a high amount of fat, which leads to obesity.
You should not feed them foods like chocolates, avocado, alcohol, caffeine, onion, and garlic that can cause serious issues to their digestive system.
Do not feed them food that contains high amounts of salt. This can cause serious damage to their kidneys and cause dehydration.
Meat can have bacteria and cause infections in birds.
Dairy products should be avoided as birds do not have the enzymes that can digest lactose.
Avoid Xylitol, which is a sugar substitute, as this is toxic for birds.

Healthcare Guide for Diamond Doves

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹1,000 - ₹1,500

Recognising Stress

Feather Plucking

Loss of Appetite

Decreased Social Interaction

Fluffed Up Feathers

Changes in Droppings

Weakness or Lethargy

Feather Cysts

Common Health Issues

Respiratory Infections

Gastrointestinal tract yeast infections

Infectious causes of feather loss

Parasitic Infections (e.g., mites, lice)

Nutritional Deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin A deficiency)

Egg Binding

Fatty liver disease

Energy Level

Medium

Preventative measure

Physical checkup every 6-12 months

Mental Stimulation

Physical Stimulation

Beak Assessment

Nail Trimming

Feather Assessment

Common Health Issues Found in Diamond Doves

Respiratory Infections: Some of the respiratory diseases are caused by poor ventilation and unhygienic living spaces.
Parasites: Mites and lice if hygiene is neglected.
Calcium Deficiency: Especially in egg-laying females.
Egg Binding: A risk for females without a proper diet.
Obesity: If overfed seeds and under-exercised.

General Health Care Tips for Diamond Doves

Schedule yearly vet visits with an avian specialist to detect any health conditions at the early stages.
Provide regular baths and misting for the feather care.
Encourage them to play and provide enough space for them to play around to keep them active and healthy.