TURTLE DOVE
Migratory bird that symbolizes sweetness and weakness (Ps. 74:19; Jer. 8:7); Her arrival heralds spring (Song 2:12). Abraham sacrificed a turtledove, among other animals, when making a covenant with the Lord (Gen. 15:9).
The Law of Moses allowed the poor to offer turtledoves instead of larger animals (Lev. 1:14; 5:7; 12:6, 8; 15:14, 29, 30; Num. 6:10, 11 ).
They were abundant. Tristram described three Palestinian species. The most widespread is the common dove, “Turtur vulgaris”. In second place is the collared dove, «Turtur risorius».
Finally, a non-migratory species, the palm dove, “Turtur senegalensis”, makes its home in the Dead Sea area, with a tropical climate.