Eurasian Collared Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

This gentle, pale-grey dove has spread across continents, adapting to diverse habitats from bustling cities to quiet countryside.

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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

The Eurasian Collared Dove can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Eurasian Collared Dove is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Eurasian Collared Dove is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Eurasian Collared Dove is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Eurasian Collared Dove can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Eurasian Collared Dove can be found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Eurasian Collared Dove is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Eurasian Collared Dove is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Eurasian Collared Dove is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Eurasian Collared Dove is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Eurasian Collared Dove is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Eurasian Collared Dove is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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