Pl. LXXVII
The Birds · Plate LXXVII
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Streptopelia decaocto
Columbidae · Taxon 2969
| Length | 29–32 cm |
| Wingspan | 46–48 cm |
| Weight | 150–200 g |
Field marks
- Pale gray-buff body with slightly darker sandy-brown wings
- Narrow black crescent across the back of the neck
- Small rounded head, thin dark bill, and dark reddish eye
- Pink legs and feet
- Broad, slightly rounded wings with darker tips
- Long, square-tipped tail with broad white outer and terminal patches
HabitatOpen and semi-open habitats, especially suburbs, farmyards, fields, wood edges, and dry country with scattered trees. Often occurs where seed or grain is readily available and generally avoids dense forest.
BehaviorMostly forages while walking on the ground, taking seeds and spilled grain, often in flocks outside the breeding season. Commonly perches on wires, poles, and tall trees. Males give a repeated three-syllable coo and perform a steep climbing flight followed by a gliding, tail-spread descent.
Palette
warm graysandy brownblackwhitedusty pink