Collared dove Factfile
Latin name
Distribution
Collared doves can be seen across much of the UK, but generally close to or right in towns, villages and the suburbs of cities.
Habitat
Collared doves occur in parks, gardens and farmland provided there are trees for nesting.
UK Population
There are around 810,000 breeding pairs of Collared dove in the UK.
Although now common through much of the UK, in particular where there’s human habitation, Collared doves only first bred in the UK in 1955. This followed a rapid expansion from their historic breeding range in Asia Minor and the Middle East, to across mainland Europe, and, once initially established in the UK, the species continued to spread and is now a common bird with over 800,000 breeding pairs. An attractive bird, the plumage of the Collared dove is a mix of pinkish sandy-brown and grey. Both male and female Collared doves have the distinct black half-collar finely outlined with white around the nape of the neck, though young Collared doves do not develop this collar until after their first moult. There is no easily distinguishable and consistent difference between the appearance of male and female Collared doves.
Collared dove nesting and breeding habits
The nest of the Collared dove is a somewhat unimpressive and sparse platform of twigs and leaves, and sited in a tree on suitable branches. Collared doves have a preference for nesting in evergreen trees, and species such as Leylandi are ideal – and hence why Collared doves often nest in urban gardens. Both female and male Collared doves share the incubation of the two eggs, and there are normally three broods per year but there cab be six. The eggs are a white-cream colour and with no speckling or other marks. The breeding period of the Collared dove is typically March to September, but if enough food is available – which is largely seed and grain – then breeding will also take place in the winter months. The young Collared doves are fed with ‘crop milk’ rather than the food the adults directly eat.
Collared dove history and population trends
The population of Collared doves in the UK has gone from nothing in pre-1955 to over 800,000 breeding pairs now. The current population is fairly stable though has declined slightly overall slightly in recent years, with some areas of the UK seeing a slight increase in numbers but in others a relatively larger decline.
Behaviour traits of Collared doves
The Collared dove is a relatively tame bird and has evolved to co-exist with humans. Normally seen singularly or in pairs, where there is plentiful food Collared doves will also form small flocks. However, in their breeding territory Collared doves can be very aggressive and will often frighten off smaller birds around feeding stations. Male Collared doves will often spend long periods of time perched in an exposed spot such as on the top of a lamppost or roof and make a monotonous ‘cooing’ song – so this is the Collared dove call.
Collared dove diet and food
The food of Collared doves is almost entirely seed and grain, though they will also eat shoots, berries and some invertebrates. The dependence on seed and grain is the principle reason Collared doves are associated to such an extent with human habitation. As the Collared dove is a ground feeder, any food put out for them will need to be on a bird table, ground feeding tray, or direct on the ground. However, if a tray is secured to the bottom of a hanging feeder they will use this as a platform to take seed from the feeder. Collared doves are not especially fussy about the type of seed or grain they eat, and will digest the husks rather than removing them in the way some other birds do. However, smaller seeds are preferred if the husk is still on. From the Vine House Farm range, any of our seed mixes and husk-free mixes will attract Collared doves, plus straights including wheat.
What should I feed Collared doves?
We recommend the following products to help attract Collared doves to your garden.
Bird Food
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Collared dove a pigeon?
Yes, the Collared dove is in the pigeon family – or more precisely the ‘pigeons and doves family’.
Are Collared doves friendly?
Collared doves are a relatively social species of bird, with the small flocks visiting gardens and becoming fairly tame over time if food is provided.
What do you feed a Collared dove?
The best food for Collared doves is a good quality seed mix, though the species will eat most types of seed and especially sunflower hearts. What’s more important is how the seed is provided, because, as a ground feeding species, Collared doves cannot easily use hanging tube feeders (though sometimes try). So spread seed for Collared doves on a bird table, ground tray or direct on flat ground such as a patio.
How do I attract Collared doves to my garden?
Providing bird seed on a flat surface such as a bird table or ground tray is how you best attract Collared doves to your garden.
Will Collared doves use a dovecote?
No, Collared doves will not use a dovecote as they avoid confined spaces, with their nest being an open cup structure which is built in a tree or tall shrub.
Do Collared doves mate for life?
Yes, as a monogamous species of bird, Collared doves mate for life.
How long do Collared doves live?
The average lifespan of a Collared dove is about 3 years, though individual birds have been known to live for much longer - 17 years being the current known record.