Birds to look for in June — Collared Dove

The collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) gets both its scientific and English name from the distinctive black collar around the back of its neck (streptos is the Greek for collar). It is not native to the UK but was originally from Turkey and South East Europe. It first bred in Norfolk in1955 and has since spread until it is now in the top ten of British garden birds. However, their numbers are now falling which could be due to increasing woodpigeon numbers (they both compete for the same food) or due the bird disease, trichomonosis. Both males and females look very similar. Collared doves have a clear and persistent three note call which some people think sounds like football fans chanting ‘un-i-ted’! They eat seeds, buds, grain, fruits, berries, insects and other invertebrates.

Tweet of the Day

To hear the Collared Dove’s song follow the link below to the BBC’s Tweet of the Day

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03mztqr

For more info see https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/collared-dove/