Eurasian Collared Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

Genus · Turtle-Doves and Collared-Doves Family · Pigeons and Doves
Observation tips Difficulty: EASY
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
Bird feederIsolated treesRoofsUtility wires

Look for the black half-collar on the neck. They are much paler and slimmer than a Wood Pigeon.

Eurasian Collared Dove
Stats
Wingspan47–55 cm
Weight125–240 g
Length29–33 cm
Lifespan wild3–17 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typePlatform
Clutch size2 eggs
Incubation14–18 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationResident
Social BehaviourFlocking

Diet: Granivore

🫐Berries
🌾Grain
🍕Human food
🍃Plants
🌻Seeds

Habitat

🚜 Farmland🏡 Garden🏙️ Urban
✦ Fun Fact

The first Collared Doves reached the UK in 1953. Within a few decades, they had spread to every corner of the country.

About

A pale sandy-grey dove and a common garden bird. Originally from Asia, it spread across Europe during the 20th century. It is identified by a narrow black 'collar' on the back of its neck. It has dark, liquid eyes. It is a resident species and lives almost exclusively near human settlements.

Behaviour

Collared Doves are gentle but persistent. Their song is a monotonous, three-syllable coo: 'coo-COO-coo'. During their display flight, they fly up steeply and glide down on stiff wings. They are prolific breeders and can raise up to five broods in a single year.

Similar species

European Turtle Dove
🐦
European Turtle Dove
Streptopelia turtur
Common Wood Pigeon
🐦
Common Wood Pigeon
Columba palumbus
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