On the second day of Birdorable, my true love sent to me ... 2 Turtle Doves! As we joyfully continue our 12 Days of Birdorable, today we warmly welcome the European Turtle Dove, a bird that embodies the spirit of peace, love, and fidelity, making it a fitting ambassador for the season's greetings.

The "Two Turtle Doves" from the timeless "The 12 Days of Christmas" carol are not only a staple of holiday music but also a universal symbol of devoted love. The European Turtle Dove, with its delicate features, including a distinctive black-and-white cheek patch and the striking red skin around its eyes, captures the essence of this enduring symbol. 

Turtle Doves have long held a place in popular culture and literature as emblems of deep affection and enduring relationships, making their representation in the carol a celebration of love and companionship during the holiday season. Beyond their cultural significance, Turtle Doves face challenges in the wild, with declining populations due to habitat loss, hunting, and changes in agricultural practices. 

As we embrace the beauty and grace of the Two Birdorable Turtle Doves on this second day of our festive journey, let their image inspire thoughts of love, peace, and the importance of cherishing and protecting the natural world. 

This is the second day of our 12 Days of Birdorable holiday event. Our first day featured A Partridge in a Pear Tree. Over the next 10 days we will feature another Birdorable bird for our 12 Days of Birdorable. Be sure to check back each day for this fun event!

What an exciting kickoff to the 12 Days of Birdorable — today marks not only the beginning of our festive countdown but also the celebration of our 300th Birdorable bird, the Red-legged Partridge! This special occasion brings the spirit of the traditional "12 Days of Christmas" to the forefront, albeit with a delightful avian twist. While the original song's gifts aren't all feathered friends, our Birdorable journey will exclusively feature birds, adding a touch of ornithological charm to the holiday season.

The Red-legged Partridge, our inaugural Birdorable for this series, holds a special place in the lore of the "Partridge in a Pear Tree." Native to France and widely found across Europe, this bird was introduced to the United Kingdom, the region where the Christmas carol is thought to have originated. Despite being introduced, the Red-legged Partridge is thought to be the "Partridge in a Pear Tree" because this species is much more likely to be perched in a tree compared to native UK partridges.

This bird's distinctive features, including its striking red legs and face, along with its beautiful plumage, make it a standout addition to the Birdorable family. Its presence in the UK and its association with the festive carol highlight the intertwined nature of culture, history, and wildlife.

As we embark on the 12 Days of Birdorable, let the Red-legged Partridge inspire us to appreciate the beauty and diversity of birds around us. Each day we will unveil another Birdorable bird, enriching our holiday season with stories of nature's wonders. Be sure to check back daily for this fun event, as we explore the avian world with Birdorable.