Bird: Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

Length: 12.5"

Description: Similar to a Mourning Dove, but bigger, paler. Head and breast are a buffy light gray with a slight pink flush; distinct black and white collar on back of neck. Wings and tail are darker. Eye and bill are dark. Tail is fanned in flight. Thought to be a descendant of the African Collared Dove, this species was introduced in the Bahamas and has spread to Florida and southern Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama; is quickly spreading over a wider range.

Voice: A repeated "kuk-cooo-coo" that is similar in tone to the common call of the Mourning Dove. Audio is available at eNature.com.

Image courtesy Al Liberman

Feeding: Feeds on the ground. Pecks at the ground to pick up seeds.

Behavior at Wakodahatchee: The behavior of the Eurasian Collared-Dove is very similar to that of the Mourning Dove. It is commonly found among Mourning Dove flocks. They are common, and if you don't think you've seen one in Florida, you probably have and mistook it for a Mourning Dove. The Eurasian Collared-Dove was originally found in the mid-east. It spread into Europe where it has become abundant. From there it was introduced in the Bahamas and appeared in Florida around 1980. It is spreading rapidly Northward and will soon probably be abundant throughout North America.

Image courtesy Al Liberman

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