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Eurasian Collared Dove
Scientific Name:
Streptopelia decato
Type:
Bird
Habitat:
Eurasian collared doves thrive in numerous habitats, from suburban backyards (thanks to bird feeders), to agricultural fields, they are not found in heavily forested areas.
Range:
They are not found in the northeast, but are common in most of the other parts of the United States.
Status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
This species is
INVASIVE
to the Truckee Meadows.
Identification:
Eurasian collared doves are pale gray to brown in color, with their defining black crescent collar along the back of their neck. They are nearly 12 inches in length, and weigh just under 6.5 ounces; they are larger than robins but smaller than pigeons. Eurasian collared doves are very similar in appearance to native Mourning doves; the differences include the distinct collar, the song or call of each, and the larger size of Eurasian collared doves. Their diet consists mostly of seeds with a few green plants and bugs.
Fast Facts:
As their name would imply Eurasian Collared Doves were originally (and can still be found) on the continents of Europe and Asia. In 1974 at least 50 Eurasian Collared doves were released from a pet shop in the Bahamas. Some obviously made it to Florida, and then they proceeded to migrate west and north. Other intentional releases (from individuals keeping the doves as pets) have most likely occurred over the years, adding to their numbers.
While Eurasian collared doves are a wildly successful invasive species, to date there is little evidence that they have negatively impacted other species or their environment.
For the first five to ten days after hatching Eurasian collared doves feed their young “pigeon milk” or “crop milk”, which is a protein and fat rich fluid from the cells in the “crop” or throat of the dove.
Sources:
Cornell Lab of Ornithology https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eurasian_Collared-Dove/overview
National Audubon Society https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/eurasian-collared-dove
National Geographic https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/eurasian-collared-dove
IUCN Red List https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22727811/154457750
Contributor(s):
Regina Hockett (research + content)
Erin Larsen (edits + page design)