Streptopelia decaocto
Fivaldszky, 1838 (Eurasian Collared Dove ) |
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Class: Aves Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae Synonym(s): Collared Dove, Ring-neck Dove |
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Description: The Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is a member of the dove and pigeon family (Columbidae), all of which are small to medium-sized birds with short legs and necks and small heads. With the exception of the Rock Dove (Pigeon), most species in this family show little variation in color. The Eurasian Collared-Dove is a medium sized, stocky dove, approximately 12-14 inches long (30-33 cm) with a wingspan of 18-22 inches (45-55 cm) and weighing around 7 oz. (200 g). This dove is pale to sandy gray, with a slight pinkish tinge to the head and breast. Their bills are black, the irises of their eyes are red, and their legs and feet are mauve. Their tails are white when viewed from the underside, and the ends are squared off (rather than pointed).
History: The Eurasian Collared-Dove was introduced in the Bahamas and the Lesser Antilles when a few pet birds inadvertently escaped or were released. By the 1980s this dove had dispersed from the Caribbean and colonized southern Florida. Since then they have continued to expand their range explosively in the U.S. By the end of the 1990s, Eurasian Collared-Doves had been sighted as far west as Oregon. The dispersal method that has facilitated the spread of the Eurasian Collared-Dove has been described as "leapfrog" or "jump and backfill". Here, new populations spring up hundreds of miles from the known range and over time colonize the areas in between. Intentional introductions (e.g. for hunting purposes) and accidental introductions of as many as 300 birds at a time have also contributed to this method of dispersal of Eurasian Collared-Doves in the U.S. Biology: During the non-breeding season, Eurasian Collared-Doves roost communally, often by the hundreds, in barns or in trees in city parks. Eurasian Collared-Doves forage in open habitats for grains, seeds and fruit, or eat from bird feeders. By storing large amounts of food in its crop (storage pouch of the digestive tract) and using a special siphoning technique to drink large volumes of water, the dove is able to roost for long periods between feedings, shortening the amount of time it must spend in dangerous, open areas. Eurasian Collared-Doves are highly territorial, watching for intruders from high vantage points such as utility poles or trees. Adults are most aggressive when nesting, flying at an intruder or nest predator (such as a crow) and delivering blows with their wings.
Ecological Threat: Eurasian Collared-Doves are extremely successful colonizers and breeders, and some scientists believe that they may be competing with native North American doves, although negative effects have yet to be explicitly demonstrated. In California, Eurasian Collared-Doves may be competitively displacing another non-native dove, the Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis). When present in large numbers, they can discourage other species from using bird feeders, and may even aggressively defend these food sources, chasing other birds away. Eurasian Collared-Doves can also carry the disease-causing parasite, Trichomonas gallinae, which they may spread to native doves at feeders or birdbaths, or to the native hawks that feed on them. US Habitat: The Eurasian Collared-Dove is most commonly found in open agricultural, suburban, or coastal areas, but avoids heavily forested habitats or highly urbanized cities. Distribution
Resembles/Alternatives: The Eurasian Collared-Dove and the introduced Ringed Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia risoria), are nearly identical in appearance and may easily be confused. The White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) and the Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) are also very similar in size and appearance to the Eurasian Collared-Dove, but both lack the black collar. Management: Eurasian Collared-Doves have spread prolifically in Florida and the U.S., and are now extremely common in many areas; therefore, eradication is improbable. Since non-native species are not protected, it may be possible to manage their numbers in some areas by hunting. However, before using any projectile weapon, including pellet guns or slingshots, you should check with local law enforcement. Text References
Data Source
Last Updated: 2011-10-10 by Amber Bartelt - Sam Houston State University |
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