Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

OTHER NAMES: Collared Dove
Latin Etymology: Streptopelia ("collar-dove") decaocto ("after a figure from Greek Myth")

Two adult Eurasian Collared Dove (subspecies S. d. decaocto) at Geddington, Northants - December 2009

Featured Subspecies: Streptopelia decaocto decaocto
Weight: 170-240g  / Length: 31-33cm  /  Wingspan: 47-55cm

UK GREEN LIST / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

While perhaps not as common as the incredibly prolific wood pigeon or feral pigeon, the Collared Dove is a very common species - it can be found in most environments and often in relatively large numbers. What makes this all the more impressive is that it only first bred in the UK in the 50s. Though slightly more flighty than feral pigeons, this bird should be an easy bird to photograph for anyone with even the most rudimentary of cameras.

Further Information:
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Streptopelia
Featured Subspecies: S. d. decaocto, S. d. xanthocycla

- Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - Abundant resident (900,000 pairs)

 - Birds seen commonly at a large number of sites, particularly Geddington, Rutland Water and Rainham Marshes.

UNITED STATES 
A widespread invasive species in most of the Lower 48.
 - CALIFORNIA 2022 TRIP: Seen in  Berkeley

Further Notes: Arkive, BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto