Aves Streptopelia turtur, commonly known as the European Turtle Dove, is a migratory bird species that is part of the dove family Columbidae. In the Comunidad Valenciana, it is sometimes referred to as the tórtola europea.

• Appearance: The European Turtle Dove is a small, slender bird with a graceful build. It has a distinctive plumage with a mottled brown back, pale underparts, and black-and-white striped patches on the neck. Its wings boast a reddish-brown to orange hue.
• Size: The bird measures approximately 24-29 cm in length with a wingspan of 47-53 cm, and it typically weighs between 100-150 grams.
• Habitat: During the breeding season, Streptopelia turtur prefers open and semi-open areas such as farmland, woodland edges, and gardens in the Comunidad Valenciana. It integrates well into landscapes with a mixture of trees, shrubs, and open spaces.
• Diet: Its diet mainly comprises seeds, grains, and occasionally small insects. It forages on the ground, often seen picking seeds in fields and along roadsides.
• Behavior: The European Turtle Dove is known for its gentle, purring call that is a quintessential sound of summer in the Spanish countryside. It is often observed singly or in pairs during the breeding season.
• Reproduction: Turtle Doves build simple nests in trees or shrubs, where they lay two white eggs. The breeding period in Comunidad Valenciana typically occurs from April to July.
• Conservation: This species has experienced significant population declines across its range due to habitat loss and changes in agricultural practices. Conservation efforts in the region aim to protect its habitats and ensure sustainable land use.

The presence of the European Turtle Dove in the Comunidad Valenciana highlights the region's rich biodiversity and the importance of concerted conservation efforts to preserve these beautiful avian residents.