On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love sent to me... Two Turtle Doves From ancient Greek mythology to Shakespeare, turtle doves have long been a symbol for love and devotion, so it’s no wonder that the gift giver in The Twelve Days of Christmas sent a pair of turtle doves to his true love. When the carol was first published in 1780, turtle doves were a common sight in our countryside, but now these dainty doves hold the unenviable title of the UKs fastest declining bird, having declined 98% in the last 30 years. #12BirdsofChristmas #12DaysofChristmas #TurtleDove #ChristmasCarols #BirdsofInstagram #birds