Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) – A Comprehensive Study

Taxonomy & Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Columbiformes
• Family: Columbidae
• Genus: Streptopelia
• Species: Streptopelia decaocto

The Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is a medium-sized dove species belonging to the Columbidae family, known for its adaptability to various habitats, including urban and rural environments. It is named after the characteristic black collar-like marking on the back of its neck.

Morphology & Physical Description

• Size: 30–33 cm in length
• Wingspan: 47–55 cm
• Weight: 150–200 grams
• Plumage: Pale buff-grey to light brown, with a slightly pinkish hue on the breast.
• Distinctive Marking: A black half-collar on the nape of the neck, edged with white.
• Beak: Slender, dark grey to black.
• Eyes: Dark red with a thin white eyering.
• Legs & Feet: Short, reddish-pink.
• Tail: Long and squared with a white terminal band visible in flight.

Habitat & Distribution

The Eurasian Collared-Dove is highly adaptable and can be found in diverse habitats across Asia, Europe, and Africa. It thrives in:

• Open woodlands, agricultural fields, and semi-urban areas
• Parks, gardens, temple courtyards, and farmlands
• Scrublands, dry forests, and riverine regions

Presence in the Sundarban

The Sundarban, with its vast mangrove ecosystem and surrounding rural areas, provides a suitable environment for the Eurasian Collared-Dove. However, unlike other wetland-dependent bird species, it prefers:

• Edge habitats, where mangroves transition into open lands
• Villages and human settlements within and around the Sundarban
• Agricultural lands, where grain availability is high

Though not a core mangrove species, Eurasian Collared-Doves are frequently observed in coastal villages and forest outskirts, indicating their adaptability to Sundarban’s diverse landscapes.

Feeding Behavior & Diet

The Eurasian Collared-Dove is an omnivorous granivore, primarily feeding on:

• Seeds and grains (rice, millet, wheat, and sunflower seeds)
• Small fruits and berries
• Insects and tiny invertebrates (especially during the breeding season)
• Occasionally feeds on human food scraps in villages

Foraging Strategy

• Prefers ground foraging, picking up seeds and grains in open areas
• Sometimes perches on trees to consume berries and buds
• Regularly visits bird feeders and agricultural storage areas

Breeding & Nesting

• Breeding Season: Year-round, but peaks in spring and early summer
• Nest Location: Trees, shrubs, rooftops, and ledges
• Nest Type: A simple platform made of twigs and dry grass
• Eggs: Typically two white eggs per clutch
• Incubation Period: Around 14–18 days
• Parental Care: Both male and female share incubation and chick-rearing duties

Vocalization & Communication

The Eurasian Collared-Dove has a distinctive cooing sound, often repeated in a rhythmic pattern:

• “Coo-COO-coo”, a soft, repetitive call heard mostly in the morning and evening
• Males produce display calls during courtship
• Emits warning calls when sensing predators nearby

Special Adaptations

1. Urban & Rural Adaptability: Thrives in human-modified landscapes, unlike most wild doves.
2. Efficient Breeding Strategy: Produces multiple broods per year, aiding population growth.
3. Strong Flight Ability: Capable of long-distance dispersal and colonization of new areas.
4. Seed Dispersal Role: Contributes to forest regeneration by dispersing plant seeds.

Threats & Conservation Status

• Predation by raptors, crows, and domestic cats
• Loss of nesting sites due to urbanization and deforestation
• Agricultural pesticide use, affecting food availability
• Competition with invasive bird species (e.g., feral pigeons)

IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)

The Eurasian Collared-Dove has expanded its range globally, with a stable and increasing population. However, conservation of farmland, open woodlands, and buffer zones around the Sundarban will help maintain its local populations.

Conclusion

The Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is a highly resilient and adaptable species, capable of thriving in both natural and human-altered environments. While it is not a mangrove specialist, its presence in and around the Sundarban highlights the rich biodiversity and habitat diversity of the region. Protecting agricultural lands and village ecosystems near the Sundarban will ensure the continued survival of this graceful bird.