The Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is a dove species native to Europe and Asia. During the 20th century, the Eurasian collared dove spectacularly expanded its range from the Middle East to right across Europe. Accidentally introduced in 1974 into the Bahamas, this pale chunky bird soon spread to the mainland in Florida. A relative of the mourning dove, its name comes from its black half-collar around its neck.
The Eurasian collared dove is grey-buff to pinkish-grey overall, a little darker above than below, with a blue-grey underwing patch. The tail feathers are grey-buff above, and dark grey and tipped white below; the outer tail feathers are also tipped whitish above. It has a black half-collar edged with white on its nape. The short legs are red and the bill is black. The iris is red, but from a distance, the eyes appear to be black, as the pupil is relatively large and only a narrow rim of reddish-brown iris can be seen around the black pupil. The eye is surrounded by a small area of bare skin, which is either white or yellow. The two sexes are virtually indistinguishable; juveniles differ in having a poorly developed collar, and a brown iris.
The original range of this bird was warmer temperate regions across southeastern Europe and Japan. However, during the twentieth century, it extended across all of Europe, by 1953 reaching Great Britain, and Ireland soon after. Now it also breeds in Scandinavia. In the 1970s it was introduced into the Bahamas, and to Florida in the 1980s, and has gradually colonized the North American continent. Eurasian collared doves do not migrate and live in towns and cities, in urban gardens and parks. In their original range, they typically occur in semi-desert regions with scattered trees, or mixed thickets and orchards.
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