Eurasian Collared Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

The Eurasian collared dove, Streptopelia decaocto, is a pale grey-beige dove with a narrow black half-collar on the back of the neck. Native to parts of South Asia and the Middle East, it expanded rapidly across Europe during the twentieth century and has become established in parts of North America and other regions. It favors towns, farms, grain stores, gardens, and open woodland edges, where its repeated three-note call is a common background sound.

Human management varies by region because the Eurasian collared dove may be native, naturalized, or treated as an introduced species. Wildlife rehabilitators frequently receive window-strike victims, cat-caught birds, and nestlings from urban areas. Where kept in aviaries, doves need dry housing, clean perches, seed-based diets with grit and mineral support, and enough space to avoid constant pair conflict. It is often confused with the domestic ringneck or Barbary dove, so identification matters for rescues, breeders, and anyone checking local rules on release or control.