All About Collared Doves - Collared Dove Facts & Information

About Eurasian Collared Dove birds

The Collared Dove is a medium sized bird that has an incredibly gentle demeanour. Easily recognised by its pale grey and pinkish hue with a black half collar on its neck, these birds are incredibly common around the UK and you would certainly recognise one.

The Collared Dove was originally native to Asia but the arrival of these bird species in the UK was first recorded in the 1950's. Through breeding, the Collared Dove is now one of the most common garden birds in the UK. These Doves have successfully expanded their range to various parts of the world, making them a common sight in both urban and rural environments.

The Collared Dove is a part of the Columbidae Family, which includes both the Pigeon and Dove, such as the African Collared Dove and Turtle Dove.

Are Collared Doves rare?

No, there are no conservation concerns about the Collared Dove. It is actually a common garden bird and has a conservation status of green.

It is estimated there are around 990,000 breeding pairs within the UK.

Do Collared Doves migrate?

The Collared Dove are non migratory birds. However, its species would be described as dispersive in the bird world, due to the Collared Dove travelling from its native range to colder habitats to become permanent residents.

What does a Collared Dove sound like?

Collared Doves are known for their distinctive and repetitive cooing sounds. The call is often described as a soft "coo-COO-coo," with a rhythmic pattern.

The cooing is melodious and can vary in pitch and intensity. The repetitive nature of their call is a characteristic feature and is often used to communicate with other doves in the area.

Are Eurasian Collared Doves pigeons?

Eurasian Collared Doves (Streptopelia decaocto) are a type of dove and not pigeons, even though they share some similarities with pigeons.

Both doves and pigeons belong to the family Columbidae. However, within this family, there are various species with different characteristics.

Collared Dove habitats

The Collared Dove, originally native to Southeast Europe and Asia, is widespread across the world and can live in a range of habitats including urban and sub urban gardens, woodlands, farmland, parks.

They particularly like areas with an abundance of food and with scattered trees or bushes.

How long do Collared Doves live?

Reaching the age of sexual maturity at around one years' old, the Collared Dove, on average, lives for around three years.

This can differ, and in some cases it has been recorded that some Collared Doves have lived until the age of 17!

When do Collared Doves Nest - When do Collared Doves lay eggs?

The breeding season of the Collared Dove populations is usually March to September. But, if the weather is right and there is enough food available, Collared Doves can breed all year round.

Collared Doves Breeding

Breeding begins in March and during the breeding season, males engage in courtship displays to attract females. These displays may include cooing, puffing up their feathers, and performing aerial displays.

Once a pair forms, they work together to select a suitable nesting site. Collared Doves are known to nest in a variety of locations, including trees, shrubs, ledges, buildings, and other elevated structures. They may use previously abandoned collared dove nests or build new ones.

Both parents take turns incubating the eggs. The incubation period is crucial for the development of the embryos within the eggs. During this time, the parents maintain the nest and protect it from potential threats.

Collared Doves are known to have multiple broods in a single breeding season, especially in regions with the right conditions. This ability to produce several clutches in one season, and when the environment is right all year round, contributes to their wide population growth.

Do Collared Doves mate for life?

Yes, Collared Doves are monogamous birds and once they have found a mate, they mate for life.

How many eggs do Collared Doves lay?

Female Collared Doves typically lay two white, smooth, and oval-shaped eggs. The eggs are incubated by both the males and females for about 14 to 18 days.

What do Collared Doves eat?

The Collared Doves diet relies, almost entirely, on wild bird seeds and grains.

While seeds and grains are their primary food source, Collared Doves may also eat small fruits. They may eat berries, small fruits, and occasionally supplement their diet with fruits they find in gardens or orchards.

Collared Doves Predators

The main predators of the Collared Dove are domestic cats, hawks and owls. The Collared Dove is a ground feeder so is very vulnerable to ground predators when feeding.

How to Attract Collared Doves into Your Garden

Attracting Collared Doves to your garden can be a rewarding experience. These adaptable birds are commonly found in urban and suburban areas, and you can encourage them to visit your garden with a few simple strategies.

Collared Doves primarily feed on seeds and grains. Set up a bird feeder or feeding areas with a mix of seeds, such as sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn. Place the feeder in an open area where the doves can easily access it.

Collared Doves are ground feeders, so consider spreading some seeds directly on the ground. A ground feeder or an open area with scattered seeds can attract them, as they are more likely to forage on the ground.

Like many birds, Collared Doves are attracted to water sources. Provide a bird bath or shallow dish with fresh water for drinking and bathing. Ensure the water is clean and change it regularly.

Sometimes, attracting birds to your garden takes time. Be patient, and allow the birds to become accustomed to the food sources. Once they feel safe, they are more likely to visit regularly.

It may also be worth adding a Dove bird nest box to your garden to give the Collared Dove the perfect environment to nest during breeding season.

Five facts about Collared Doves

1. Collared Doves have a wingspan of 47 - 55 cm.

2. Collared doves are native to Southeast Europe and Asia, but they have successfully expanded their range and are now found in many parts of the world. Human activities, such as urbanisation and the provision of food, have contributed to their widespread distribution.

3. Collared doves are known for forming strong monogamous pairs. Once a pair forms, they often stay together for life.

4. The Collared Dove is one of the nosiest garden birds in Great Britain.

5. The young Collared Doves fledge the nest just 17 days after hatching.