Turtle-Dove

Or Turtle, the Columba Turtur; a distinct bird from the common dove or pigeon, smaller and differently marked, and having a soft and plaintive note, Isa 59:11Eze 7:16. It is a bird of passage, Jer 8:7, leaving Palestine for a short trip to the south, and returning early in spring, So 2:12. It is timid and fond of seclusion, and pines in captivity, Ps 11:1. The law allowed it as a burnt or sin-offering by the poor, Le 1:14 5:7 Mt 21:22, and in several cases of purification, etc., Le 12:6-8 14:22 Nu 6:10Lu 2:24. Before the giving of the law, Abraham offered birds, which he divided the other victims he left the birds entire, Ge 15:9.