Species of Interest-Eurasian collared Dove

Eurasian Collared-Dove

This species is a relative newcomer to the North American Continent. Several pairs were introduced into the Bahamas about 1974. They are thought to have spread to Florida about 1980 but were unrecognized until 1986 because of their similarity to the Ringed-Turtle Dove. Their appearance in North America was preceded by a remarkable northwestward expansion that resulted in the populating of Western Europe in about 60 years. They are in the process of similarly expanding across the United States and Canada. Eurasian Collared-Doves were first found in Grand Forks County in 1999. Since about 2000, a small colony has been located in the motel area that is just southeast of I-29 Exit 141. A much larger Rock Dove population is in that area, but the Collared Doves do not mix with the Rock Doves. During the breeding season, males call from the tops of light standards in the area, and the birds are known to locate their nests in nearby small spruce that are about 10-15 feet tall. At times, the birds can be found perched on utility wires. As of November 2003, up to ten birds have been seen at a time. Recently fledged young have been seen as late as early November, which also has been observed for the population at Mayville. In warmer climates, pairs will nest up to six times a year. In addition to the Grand Forks and Mayville birds, another colony has become established in Crystal, North Dakota. Although it is not known where the doves in Grand Forks feed, colonies in other northern cities have typically been found near grain elevators. Considerable success in finding new colonies of the doves in North Dakota has been achieved by checking out the elevators in small towns. Range expansion for this species is particularly interesting because the species will suddenly leapfrog hundreds of miles northwestward. Then, over time, the birds “backfill” the areas in between. When they initially arrived, birders wondered if the doves could handle our winters. Apparently, they can!

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