New and Concise Bible Dictionary
Where the word ’turtle’ occurs in the A.V. the ’turtle-dove’ is always to be understood. They are of the family of pigeons, and are plentiful in Palestine, of which there are several species. They could easily be procured by the poorest for the offerings, and a pair of them was brought when the Lord was presented in the temple. Gen 15:9; Lev 1:14; Lev 5:7; Lev 5:11; Lev 12:6; Lev 12:8; Num 6:10; Psa 74:19; Jer 8:7; Luk 2:24. They are the harbinger of spring and when they return from their migration are a symbol of fruitfulness. Son 2:12. The Turtur risorius is a dove found in Palestine. See DOVE.