The Collared Dove is small to a medium-sized bird that is native to Europe and Asia. Its distinctive plumage and soft cooing call make it a favourite among birdwatchers and nature lovers. This blog will take a closer look at 27 curious facts about the Collared Dove.

27 Curious Facts about the Collared Dove

  1. The Collared Dove is a member of the dove family Columbidae.
  2. They have a distinctive, soft grey-brown plumage, with a distinctive black collar around their neck.
  3. Collared Doves are primarily seed-eaters and feed on a wide range of seeds and grains, including those from crops and gardens.
  4. They have a soft cooing call that is often described as “coo-COO-coo.”
  5. The collective noun for a group of Collared Doves is a “dole.”
  6. Collared Doves are able to breed throughout the year in warmer climates and have become naturalised in many areas outside their native range.
  7. They have a short, rounded tail, distinguishing them from other dove species.
  8. Collared Doves have a distinctive flight pattern, flapping their wings rapidly and then gliding.
  9. They are known to form monogamous pair bonds that can last for multiple breeding seasons.
  10. They are able to breed at a relatively young age, with some individuals breeding in their first year.
  11. Collared Doves are ground nesters and will use a variety of nest sites, including shrubs and trees.
  12. They are able to regulate their body temperature by fluffing up their feathers in cold weather.
  13. In some cultures, Collared Doves are considered to be a symbol of peace and love.
  14. The oldest known Collared Dove fossil dates back to the early Pleistocene, around 2.5 million years ago.
  15. Collared Doves are found throughout much of Europe and Asia and have been introduced to many other areas of the world.
  16. They are known to engage in allopreening or mutual grooming, with other Collared Doves.
  17. Collared Doves are vulnerable to predation by a wide range of animals, including cats, snakes, and birds of prey.
  18. They are important seed dispersers, as they feed on a wide range of seeds and grains.
  19. Collared Doves are known to form social bonds with other Collared Doves and may engage in communal roosting during the winter.
  20. They have been featured in a variety of cultural works, including poetry, literature, and art.
  21. Collared Doves are important contributors to the ecosystem and play a vital role in controlling insect populations.
  22. They have a relatively short lifespan for a bird of their size, with some individuals living up to 5 years in the wild.
  23. Collared Doves have a unique system of vocalisation that allows them to communicate with their mates and establish territories.
  24. They are able to fly at relatively high altitudes, with some individuals being recorded at heights of over 6,000 feet.
  25. Collared Doves are known to be highly adaptable and are able to thrive in both rural and urban areas.
  26. They are able to recognise individual humans and may become habituated to regular feedings.
  27. Collared Doves are a beloved and fascinating species that continue to captivate and intrigue birdwatchers and nature lovers around the world.

Where to Find the Collared Dove

Collared Doves are found throughout much of Europe and Asia. They are highly adaptable and are found in a wide range of habitats, including woodlands, farmland, and gardens. In particular, they are commonly found in suburban and urban areas, where they have adapted to human-made structures such as buildings and streetlights.

Collared Doves have also been introduced to many other areas of the world, including North America, South America, and Africa. They are able to thrive in a wide range of climates, from tropical to temperate.

Feeding the Collared Dove

Collared Doves are primarily seed-eaters and feed on a wide range of seeds and grains, including those from crops and gardens. If you are interested in feeding Collared Doves in your garden, it is important to provide them with a varied diet. This can include seeds such as sunflower hearts, niger seeds, and black sunflower seeds.

In addition to seeds, Collared Doves are also known to feed on grains such as wheat, barley, and oats. Providing them with access to these types of foods can help to supplement their diet and support their breeding efforts.

Collared Doves are also known to visit bird feeders and can often be seen feeding alongside other bird species. It is important to keep your bird feeder clean and to provide fresh food on a regular basis to prevent the spread of disease.

Final Thoughts

The Collared Dove is a beautiful and charismatic bird that is a favourite among birdwatchers and nature lovers. Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or simply appreciate the natural world, the Collared Dove is a species that is sure to captivate and intrigue. So why not take a moment to appreciate the beauty of these wonderful birds, and perhaps even offer them a meal in your garden or local park. With their important contributions to the ecosystem and their beautiful plumage, Collared Doves truly are a treasure of the bird world.