eurasian collared dove

1. Bird Name
English name: Eurasian Collared Dove
Scientific (Latin) name: Streptopelia decaocto

2. Appearance
The Eurasian Collared Dove is a medium-sized dove, dominantly pale gray in color. Its most distinguishing feature is a thin, black semi-circular line or “collar” around the nape of its neck, which gives the bird its name. The underwings are also noticeably darker than the rest of the body when in flight. The beak is short, and relatively slim with a broad base. The eyes are a striking reddish-brown, encircled by a thin, blue-grey eye ring. Both sexes are similar in appearance, although males may be slightly larger than females.

3. Size
The average length of the Eurasian Collared Dove ranges from 30 to 33 centimeters (12 to 13 inches). An average wingspan is between 47 and 55 centimeters (18 to 22 inches). They weigh between 125 to 240 grams (4.4 to 8.5 ounces).

4. Habitat & Distribution
Across continents, the Eurasian Collared Dove can be found in Europe, Asia, and even North America. Emerging from Asia, it colonized a wide area, extending its range into western Europe and then onward to North America. The bird prefers open and semi-open environments, away from dense forests. It has adapted well to human-altered habitats, showing a preference for agricultural areas, gardens, parks, and suburban settings.

5. Interesting Facts
Originally native to parts of Asia, its rapid expansion across Europe, and later North America, in the 20th century is an intriguing fact about the Eurasian Collared Dove. The bird is also known for its distinct cooing sound, ‘coo-COO-coo’, most often heard during dawn or dusk. Despite being a symbol of peace and tranquility, male Eurasian Collared Doves can be surprisingly aggressive, driving away intruders and competing fiercely for mates.

6. Diet
Primarily, their diet consists of seeds, grains, and occasional fruits. They often forage in gardens, agricultural fields, and roadside verges. Insects and other small invertebrates constitute a minor part of their diet.

7. Behavior & Sounds
This dove species is generally not migratory, but does move around in search of food. They build relatively flimsy nests from twigs and other debris, where females typically lay two eggs. Their distinctive, rhythmic cooing sound is a familiar background noise in their habitats.

8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Eurasian Collared Dove falls under the category of “Least Concern”, due to its extensive range and large population.

9. Lifespan
In the wild, Eurasian Collared Doves typically live for around 3–5 years, though some have been known to live up to 10 years. In captivity, with the right conditions, they can live up to 15 years.

10. Additional Notes
An interesting aspect of their behavior is their interaction with humans. Often seen as a symbol of peace, they are generally not afraid of human interaction and can be seen in large numbers in streets or parks, or visiting bird tables in gardens. As per their role in the ecosystem, they serve as a source of food for predatory birds and mammals. Their foraging habits also help in seed dispersal, contributing to plant propagation and diversification.