Species Profile
Eurasian Collared Dove
Streptopelia decaocto
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
3–5 years
Length
31–33 cm
Weight
150–220 g
Wingspan
47–55 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
Also known as: Collared Dove, Ring-necked Dove
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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.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Pink
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
United Kingdom
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales
Rutland
Cambridgeshire
Bedfordshire
Buckinghamshire
Berkshire
Bristol
Cheshire
Cumbria
Cornwall
Derbyshire
Devon
Dorset
Durham
East Riding of Yorkshire
Essex
East Sussex
Gloucestershire
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Hertfordshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
Merseyside
Lancashire
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
London
Manchester
Northumberland
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
Nottinghamshire
North Yorkshire
Oxfordshire
South Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
West Midlands
Suffolk
Shropshire
Somerset
Surrey
Staffordshire
Stockton-on-Tees
Warwickshire
Wiltshire
West Yorkshire
Worcestershire
West Sussex
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.
Calls & Sounds
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
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
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.
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