The Oriental turtle dove has two distinct migratory northern subspecies, "S. o. orientalis" in the central Siberian taiga, and "S. o. meena" in the open woodlands of Central Asia. The differences in the tail patterns of the subspecies "S. o. orientalis" and "S. o. meena" help separate identification in their wintering grounds. The nominate form is described as having a grey tip to the tail and more black in the outer web of the outer tail feathers, while "meena" has a white tip to its tail like the European turtle dove and less black in the outer web of the outer tail feathers. However, these are not consistent differences: both forms can have white or grey tail-bands and "orientalis" can have little black in the outer webs of the outer tail feathers.