Collared dove - Streptopelia decaocto - Family: Columbidae

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Collared dove - Streptopelia decaocto
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature

This species has fared extraordinarily well since it first colonised Britain in the mid 1950s. Before then, it was a rare vagrant here: now there are perhaps 200, 000 breeding pairs. Its arrival was part of a huge expansion in the range of the collared dove which began in the 1930s, before which its European range was confined to the Balkans. This is a pretty, small dove with pinkish-buff plumage and a distinctive black collar edged with white. The wingtips are dark grey, the bill grey and the feet brown-red. In flight, the tail is black with a broad white band at the end. Collared doves are close associates of man and coniferous trees provide ideal breeding locations for them. They may also nest in holly and ivy. Urban and suburban gardens, parks and farms all provide suitable habitat. They feed mainly on cereals but will also eat fruit and berries. Large numbers will gather at suitable feeding locations.

The collared dove's persistent call - coo-cooo, cuck - with a strong emphasis on the second syllable, can become a little irritating and may lead the unwary to confuse it with the cuckoo. It also produces a rather nasal sounding 'turr, turr'.

This species is present throughout the year. It is most successful in urban and suburban areas.

Food

Mainly grain and seeds in gardens and on farms but collared doves will also eat invertebrates.

Plants

Holly, Ivy

Prey

Beetles, Worms

Predators

Sparrowhawk