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- Eurasian Collared Dove
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Streptopelia decaocto
Male and female Eurasian collared-doves are visually very similar, making it difficult to distinguish them based on appearance alone. Both sexes share a pale grayish-brown or buffy-tan plumage with a characteristic black half-collar on the back of the neck. While some sources suggest subtle differences in crown and nape coloration, these are not reliable for sex determination. Behavioral differences, particularly during courtship, are more indicative, with males displaying more pronounced cooing and bowing rituals.
Detailed Description:
• Plumage: Both male and female Eurasian collared-doves have a pale grayish-brown or buffy-tan overall color. They have a distinct black half-collar edged with white on the back of the neck. The tail is square-tipped with white patches at the end, and the wingtips are darker than the rest of the wing.
• Sex Differences (Subtle):
• Males: May have a slightly pinkish or purplish tinge to the head and neck, with white tips on the black collar feathers.
• Females: Can appear slightly more brownish overall and may have less distinct pinkish hues.
• Juveniles: Lighter in color and lack the black collar.
• Behavioral Differences:
• Males: Engage in elaborate courtship displays, including flight displays with loud wingbeats and gliding, as well as bowing displays. They also tend to be more vocal, producing the typical "coo-coo-coo" call.
• Both Sexes: Share in nest building and incubation, with males gathering material and females building the nest.
• Size: Eurasian collared-doves are larger than mourning doves.
Detailed Description:
• Plumage: Both male and female Eurasian collared-doves have a pale grayish-brown or buffy-tan overall color. They have a distinct black half-collar edged with white on the back of the neck. The tail is square-tipped with white patches at the end, and the wingtips are darker than the rest of the wing.
• Sex Differences (Subtle):
• Males: May have a slightly pinkish or purplish tinge to the head and neck, with white tips on the black collar feathers.
• Females: Can appear slightly more brownish overall and may have less distinct pinkish hues.
• Juveniles: Lighter in color and lack the black collar.
• Behavioral Differences:
• Males: Engage in elaborate courtship displays, including flight displays with loud wingbeats and gliding, as well as bowing displays. They also tend to be more vocal, producing the typical "coo-coo-coo" call.
• Both Sexes: Share in nest building and incubation, with males gathering material and females building the nest.
• Size: Eurasian collared-doves are larger than mourning doves.