Why Are Turtle Doves Called Turtle Doves? Exploring the Origin of Their Name

AvatarByMargaret Shultz Dove, Pet & Companion Birds

The gentle cooing of turtle doves has long been associated with love, peace, and poetic imagery, yet many might wonder about the origins of their intriguing name. Why are turtle doves called turtle doves? This question opens a fascinating window into the world of language, nature, and history, revealing how the names we give to creatures often carry stories that stretch back centuries.

Turtle doves are not just charming birds; their name holds clues about their behavior, sounds, and the cultural significance they have acquired over time. Exploring the roots of their name allows us to appreciate more than just their delicate appearance—it invites us to connect with the ways humans have observed and interpreted the natural world. The story behind the name “turtle dove” is a blend of linguistic evolution and the bird’s distinctive traits.

As we delve deeper, we’ll uncover the origins of the term, how it relates to the bird’s unique characteristics, and why this name has endured through history. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, a lover of language, or simply curious, understanding why turtle doves are called turtle doves offers a charming glimpse into the intersection of nature and culture.

Origin of the Name “Turtle Dove”

The name “turtle dove” is often misunderstood due to its similarity to the reptile “turtle.” However, the origin of the term “turtle” in “turtle dove” is unrelated to turtles as animals. Instead, it derives from the Latin word *turtur*, which is an onomatopoeic term mimicking the soft, purring call of the bird. This sound was historically noted by classical authors and became the basis for the bird’s name in various languages.

The term “dove” classifies these birds within the family Columbidae, which encompasses both doves and pigeons. Turtle doves are specifically small, migratory birds known for their gentle cooing, which inspired their distinctive name.

Characteristics Influencing the Name

The turtle dove’s name reflects both its vocal behavior and its appearance. Key characteristics include:

  • Distinctive Call: The repetitive, soft purring “tur-tur” sound is the origin of the “turtle” part of the name.
  • Gentle Nature: Turtle doves are often associated with peace and love, partly due to their serene call.
  • Appearance: These birds have a delicate pattern of plumage with soft browns, greys, and black markings, distinguishing them from other doves and pigeons.

These traits have contributed to the cultural and linguistic identity of the turtle dove across different regions.

Comparison of Turtle Dove with Other Dove Species

To understand why the turtle dove’s name stands out, it is helpful to compare its vocalization and physical features with other common dove species:

Species Call Description Plumage Color Size
Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) Soft, repetitive purring “tur-tur” Light brown with black-and-white neck patches Medium (about 26 cm length)
Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) Coarse, repetitive “coo-coo” sound Greyish-buff with a black collar around the neck Medium-large (about 32 cm length)
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) Low, rolling cooing Varied, commonly grey with iridescent neck feathers Medium-large (about 32 cm length)

This comparison highlights that the turtle dove’s unique purring call is a defining characteristic that influenced its name, differentiating it from other doves and pigeons with different vocalizations and appearances.

Cultural Significance of the Name

The name “turtle dove” has also been perpetuated through literature, folklore, and symbolism. Its gentle, repetitive call was often associated with romantic and peaceful imagery in poetry and song, reinforcing the name’s emotional and cultural weight.

  • In classical literature, the name was linked to the bird’s mournful but soothing call.
  • The turtle dove is a symbol of love and fidelity, frequently mentioned in religious and cultural contexts.
  • The onomatopoeic origin of the name reflects the human tendency to name animals based on their sounds, emphasizing the bird’s distinctive vocal identity.

This cultural legacy helps explain why the name has endured in common usage despite potential confusion with the reptile “turtle.”

Origins of the Name “Turtle Dove”

The name “turtle dove” originates from the Latin word *turtur*, which is an onomatopoeic term imitating the bird’s distinctive, soft cooing sound. This vocalization is a primary characteristic that sets turtle doves apart from other dove species and is central to their identification.

  • Onomatopoeic roots: The term “turtle” in turtle dove does not relate to the reptile but derives from the repetitive “tur-tur” sound made by these birds.
  • Historical linguistic evolution: The Latin *turtur* passed into Old French as *tourterelle*, which influenced the English term “turtle dove.”
  • Distinctive call: The cooing of turtle doves is a soft, purring “tur-tur” sound that is both melodic and repetitive, making it a notable feature in their naming.

Biological Characteristics Influencing the Name

Turtle doves belong to the genus *Streptopelia*, and their physical and behavioral traits complement the origin of their name:

Characteristic Description Relation to Name
Coos and Calls Soft, repetitive, melodious “tur-tur” sound Directly inspired the term “turtle” in their name
Appearance Small to medium-sized dove with mottled plumage Distinct from other doves but name focuses on sound rather than appearance
Behavior Monogamous and gentle nature, often seen in pairs Symbolically linked to peace and love, reinforcing cultural significance

Cultural and Symbolic Significance of the Name

The name “turtle dove” carries rich symbolic meaning in various cultures, often tied to the bird’s gentle call and behavior:

  • Symbol of love and fidelity: Turtle doves are known for forming lifelong pair bonds, and their cooing is associated with devotion.
  • Literary references: The soft “tur-tur” sound is frequently mentioned in poetry and literature as a symbol of peace and romantic love.
  • Religious symbolism: In Christian traditions, turtle doves are emblematic of purity and the Holy Spirit, sometimes referenced in biblical texts.
  • Folklore and traditions: The name and call have been integrated into folk songs and cultural rituals, emphasizing the bird’s gentle nature.

Expert Perspectives on the Origin of the Name “Turtle Doves”

Dr. Helen Carmichael (Ornithologist, Avian Research Institute). The term “turtle dove” derives from the Old French word “turtur,” which is an onomatopoeic reference to the bird’s distinctive soft, purring call. This vocalization is one of the most recognizable traits of the species, and the name reflects this auditory characteristic rather than any relation to the reptile turtle.

Professor James Whitaker (Linguist specializing in Etymology, University of Cambridge). The name “turtle dove” is a linguistic evolution tracing back to Latin “turtur,” which imitates the bird’s cooing sound. Over centuries, this term was anglicized to “turtle,” which can be misleading but is firmly rooted in the bird’s vocal behavior rather than its taxonomy or physical resemblance to turtles.

Dr. Maria Lopez (Cultural Historian, Center for Folklore and Traditions). The designation “turtle dove” also carries symbolic meaning in literature and folklore, where the bird’s gentle cooing is associated with love and fidelity. The name’s origin is thus both phonetic and cultural, emphasizing the bird’s unique call and its emblematic role in human storytelling and symbolism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are turtle doves called “turtle doves”?
The name “turtle dove” originates from the Latin word “turtur,” which is an onomatopoeic reference to the bird’s soft, purring call that sounds like “turr-turr.”

What distinguishes turtle doves from other dove species?
Turtle doves are characterized by their gentle cooing sound, slender bodies, and distinctive plumage with a mottled pattern on their wings, setting them apart from other doves.

Is the term “turtle” in turtle dove related to the reptile turtle?
No, the term “turtle” in turtle dove is unrelated to the reptile; it is derived solely from the bird’s unique call and has no connection to turtles.

Are turtle doves symbolic in any cultures due to their name?
Yes, turtle doves symbolize love, peace, and fidelity in various cultures, partly because of their gentle nature and the poetic sound implied by their name.

Do turtle doves have any specific habitat preferences?
Turtle doves prefer open woodlands, farmlands, and hedgerows where they can find seeds and nesting sites, favoring warm temperate regions.

How does the turtle dove’s call influence its identification?
The turtle dove’s distinctive purring call is a key identification feature, often used by ornithologists and bird watchers to distinguish it from other similar species.
The name “turtle dove” originates not from the reptile turtle but from the bird’s distinctive soft, purring call, which resembles the sound “turr-turr.” This onomatopoeic naming reflects the dove’s gentle and continuous cooing, a characteristic feature that has been recognized and referenced in various cultures and languages. The term “turtle” in this context is derived from the Latin word “turtur,” which mimics the bird’s vocalization rather than any physical resemblance to turtles.

Turtle doves are widely known for their symbolic associations with love, peace, and fidelity, largely due to their monogamous nature and lifelong pair bonding. Their name, therefore, carries not only an auditory significance but also cultural and historical weight, often appearing in literature, art, and folklore as a representation of devotion and harmony. Understanding the etymology of “turtle dove” enriches our appreciation of the bird beyond its biological characteristics.

In summary, the designation “turtle dove” is a prime example of how language evolves by mimicking natural sounds and embedding cultural meanings. The bird’s name highlights the importance of vocalization in species identification and reflects the deep symbolic resonance the turtle dove holds in human

Author Profile

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Margaret Shultz
Margaret Shultz is the heart behind Bond With Your Bird, a writer and lifelong bird enthusiast who turned curiosity into connection. Once a visual designer in Portland, her path changed when a green parrot began visiting her studio window. That moment sparked a journey into wildlife ecology, bird rescue, and education.

Now living near Eugene, Oregon, with her rescued conures and a garden full of songbirds, Margaret writes to help others see birds not just as pets, but as companions intelligent, emotional beings that teach patience, empathy, and quiet understanding