Eurasian Collared Dove
Streptopelia decaocto
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Eurasian Collared Dove is a medium-sized dove with a pale grey-buff plumage and a distinctive black half-collar on the nape. Its wings are grey with darker primaries, and the tail has a white tip visible in flight.
Both sexes look similar, with a slight pinkish tinge to the head and breast.
Juveniles lack the neck collar and have a duller, sandier overall appearance with scaly-looking feathers. They will not display a dark collar until attaining the age of at least twelve weeks.
Size
Length
31cm to 33cm
Wingspan
47cm to 55cm
Weight
150g to 220g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey Pink
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Pink Red
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Originally native to Asia, the Eurasian Collared Dove has successfully colonised much of Europe and parts of North America. It thrives in human-modified landscapes, including suburban areas, farmlands, and urban parks with scattered trees.
In the UK, it is now widespread and common. In the US, it has rapidly expanded its range since its introduction in the 1980s, now found across most of the country, particularly in the southern and western states.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Eurasian Collared Dove. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Eurasian Collared Dove demonstrates considerable agility, capable of swift flight at speeds up to 60 km/h and adept at navigating urban environments. Their ability to perform steep ascents and gliding descents during courtship displays further showcases their aerial prowess.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a medium-sized dove, the Eurasian Collared Dove possesses moderate strength. Whilst not particularly muscular, they are capable of sustained flight and can defend their territories, but are not known for exceptional feats of strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable, these doves have successfully colonised diverse habitats across Europe and North America. Their ability to thrive in human-modified landscapes, from urban areas to farmlands, and their year-round breeding capability in suitable climates, demonstrate remarkable adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Eurasian Collared Doves are generally peaceful birds. They may defend their territories and nesting sites, but are not known for aggressive behaviour towards humans or other species. Their boldness around humans is more a sign of habituation than aggression.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
These doves exhibit good endurance, evidenced by their ability to undertake partial migrations and their successful range expansion across continents. Their capacity to breed up to six times a year in optimal conditions also suggests a robust constitution and good stamina.
Diet
Eurasian Collared Doves primarily feed on seeds, grains, and small fruits. They forage on the ground in fields, gardens, and urban areas, often visiting bird feeders.
To supplement their diet, these doves will also eat insects and small invertebrates, particularly during the breeding season.
Behaviour
Eurasian Collared Doves are often seen perched on wires, rooftops, or trees in urban and suburban areas. They have a characteristic bobbing walk when on the ground.
These doves are typically found in pairs or small groups and can be quite bold around humans, often visiting bird feeders.
Vocalisation
The Eurasian Collared Dove's call is a distinctive, rhythmic 'coo-COO-coo', emphasising the middle syllable. This three-note cooing is often repeated and can be heard throughout the year. During courtship, males produce a harsh, grating 'kwaah' sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Eurasian Collared Doves form monogamous pairs and can breed year-round in warmer climates, with peak activity in spring and summer. Males perform a distinctive flight display, flying up steeply before gliding down with wings and tail spread.
Nests are flimsy platforms of twigs, typically placed in trees, building ledges, or thick shrubs. Females usually lay two white eggs per clutch.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 14-16 days. Chicks fledge after 15-19 days but are fed by parents for up to another week after leaving the nest.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Eurasian Collared Dove is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large range and increasing population.
Its rapid expansion across Europe and North America has been one of the most significant avian range expansions in recent history. However, monitoring is ongoing to assess its impact on native species.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in open areas with scattered trees, parks, and gardens
- Listen for their distinctive three-note cooing call
- Observe their behaviour at bird feeders, where they often visit
- In the UK and the US, check suburban areas where they have become common
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include birds of prey such as hawks and falcons, as well as domestic and feral cats in urban areas.
Did You Know?
- The Eurasian Collared Dove can fly at speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph).
- It spread across Europe in the 20th century, reaching the UK in 1955.
- These doves can breed up to six times a year in optimal conditions.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Streptopelia decaocto. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22727811A154457750.
View source - 3
report, 2015: EBCC
Share Your Feedback
We value your opinion! Let us know what you think about this bird page.