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turtledoves in the Bible

also known as: turtle-doves, turtle doves, turtles

Its peaceful and gentle habits are often referred to in Scripture.

A pair was offered in sacrifice by Mary at her purification after pregnancy (Luke 2:24). See: DOVES

The pigeon and the turtledove were the only birds permitted to be offered in sacrifice (Leviticus 1:14; Lev. 5:7; Lev. 14:22; Lev. 15:14, 29, etc.).

The Latin name of this bird, turtur, is derived from its note, and is a repetition of the Hebrew name tor.

3 species are found in Israel:

1. the turtledove (Turtur auritus)

2. the collared turtle (Turtur risorius)

3. the palm turtle (Turtur senegalensis)

But it is to the 1st of these species which the various passages of Scripture refer. It is a migratory bird (Jeremiah 8:7; Song of Songs 2:11-12).

“Search the glades and valleys, even by sultry Jordan, at the end of March, and not a turtle-dove is to be seen. Return in the second week of April, and clouds of doves are feeding on the clovers of the plain. They overspread the whole face of the land.”

“Immediately on its arrival it pours forth from every garden, grove, and wooded hill its melancholy yet soothing ditty unceasingly from early dawn till sunset. It is from its plaintive and continuous note, doubtless, that David, pouring forth his heart’s sorrow to God, compares himself to a turtledove” (Psalm 74:19).

More information

• What does the Bible say about doves?
• What does the Bible say about turtledoves?
• Answers about pigeons in the Bible
• Answers about birds of the Bible
• What animals are mentioned in the the Bible?