The Eurasian collared dove is one of the great ornithological success stories of the 20th century — a species that expanded its range from Turkey to cover the entirety of Europe within 50 years, reaching Britain by 1955 and North America by 1980. Its soft, repetitive three-note coo is one of the most recognizable sounds in suburban European gardens. Unlike most birds, doves produce nutritious crop milk — a protein-rich secretion from the lining of the crop fed to nestlings during the first days of life.
About the Dove
Streptopelia decaocto
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💡 Fun Facts
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The Eurasian collared dove expanded its range from Turkey across all of Europe in just 50 years — one of the fastest natural range expansions ever documented in a bird.
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Doves produce 'crop milk' — a protein-rich secretion from the crop lining fed to nestlings in the first days of life, analogous to mammalian milk but produced by both parents.
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Unlike most birds that tip their heads back to swallow water, doves can continuously suck water through their bill like a straw.
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Doves mate for life in most species and engage in elaborate bowing and preening displays; if a partner dies, the surviving bird may refuse to pair again.
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The dove's cooing repertoire includes at least 6 distinct call types serving different functions: territorial, alarm, nest calls, and contact calls.
📍 Where to Find This Animal
Habitat Types:
Urban & Agricultural Land
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