The ecology of the red-eyed dove and the speckled pigeon around Nakivale Refugee settlement in Isingiro District

Abstract

This study on some aspects of the ecology of Speckled pigeon and Red-Eyed Dove was carried out around Nakivale Refugee Camp from June 2020 to November 2021. The aim of the study was to assess and compare the density of the two species and study their behaviour and activity patterns. Transect method was used. The transects were laid out and data were collected by moving along each transect at different times of the day, that is, in the morning, afternoon and evening. Birds detected by sight or sound were recorded. The Red-eyed Dove has a significantly higher density of 103.2 lndiv/km2 compared to the Speckled Pigeon with 57.2 indiv/km2 and this could be because of the habitat and food availability in favour of the Red-eyed- Dove. The Speckled Pigeon has a significantly larger group size of both species were more active in the morning and evening less active in the afternoon. The activities were calling, feeding, preening and perching, which were probably affected with the weather, food availability and territorial protection and were displayed more at different times of the day. In conclusion Red-eyed Dove has a higher population than Speckled Pigeon and their activities change with time of day. More research with more time is needed to avoid errors.