Streptopelia decaocto
The Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto), a species of remarkable adaptability, is a medium-sized dove, typically measuring 30-33 cm (12-13 in) in length with a wingspan of 47-55 cm (18.5-21.5 in) and weighing 150-240 g (5.3-8.5 oz). Its plumage is a soft grayish-fawn, often with a delicate pinkish wash on the breast and a paler, almost white, belly. Key identification marks include a narrow black half-collar outlined in white on the nape, black primary flight feathers, and a distin...
Eurasian Collared Doves thrive in open woodlands, agricultural areas, urban parks, and suburban gardens, preferring areas with scattered trees for nesting and open ground for foraging, generally at low to mid-elevations.
These doves primarily consume seeds from cultivated grains and weeds, supplementing their diet with fruits, berries, and occasionally small insects, foraging mainly by gleaning from the ground.
Eurasian Collared Doves are diurnal, often observed foraging on the ground during the day and roosting communally in trees at night, especially outside the breeding season. Their foraging strategy involves a steady walk across open areas, pecking at seeds and grains. During courtship, males perfo...
The Eurasian Collared Dove is native to a broad swathe of Asia, from Turkey and the Middle East through India and Sri Lanka to China and Korea. From its Asian origins, it underwent an explosive range expansion across Europe throughout the 20th century, now breeding and wintering across virtually ...
Least Concern
- The Eurasian Collared Dove is one of the most successful avian colonizers in recent history, dramatically expanding its range across continents. - Its name "decaocto" comes from Greek mythology, referring to a servant girl transformed into a dove whose plaintive coo sounds like the Greek word f...