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Originally native to Europe and Asia, these adaptable birds have rapidly expanded their range across North America, thriving in both cities and rural environments. Collared doves can be a common nuisance bird for businesses and homes alike.
The Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is a medium-sized bird known for its pale gray body, long tail, and narrow black collar on the back of its neck. It stands out with its sleek appearance and cooing call. Commonly mistaken for the ring-necked dove - another type of bird - the Eurasian collared dove is slightly larger and more adapted to living close to people. Part of the Columbidae family within the Columbiformes order, it has become one of the most common doves across North America, especially in suburban areas.
Collared doves have a simple but busy lifecycle. After mating, females usually lay two eggs per brood. They often nest multiple times a year, especially in warmer climates. The young hatch after about two weeks and leave the nest within another two to three weeks. Males and females both care for the chicks, sharing duties like incubating eggs and feeding young birds.
Unlike many species, collared doves do not migrate. They stay within the same area year-round but may move slightly depending on food availability. In cooler months, you might spot them gathering around a feeder, searching for seed and grains. During spring and summer, breeding activity picks up, and their distinctive cooing becomes more noticeable.
Understanding where collared doves live and what they eat helps explain how they’ve spread so widely. Their choice of habitat and diet both play a role in how well they thrive near people.
Originally from Europe and Asia, the Eurasian collared dove has expanded across North America. They thrive in suburban areas, farmland, and parks where food and nesting spots are easy to find. Thanks to their adaptability, they are just as comfortable in small towns as they are in rural fields.
The diet of the collared dove mainly consists of seeds and grains, though they sometimes eat small insects. They often visit backyard feeders filled with millet, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn. While feeding, they prefer to stay on the ground or perch nearby rather than cling to hanging feeders. Their diet helps them easily adapt to both wild and human-influenced environments.
Managing collared doves starts with understanding how to discourage them from settling and how to take action when they do. The following sections offer guidance on both.
To prevent collared doves from settling in places where they are not welcome, start by keeping outdoor eating areas clean and limiting access to seed supplies. Regularly clean feeders and consider removing standing water sources when possible. Bird-proofing areas by sealing small gaps in roofs and ledges can also discourage nesting. For long-term protection and to fully address the root cause of a collared dove infestation, it is best to call in the professionals, like Presto-X.
When these birds become a problem, a mix of exclusion methods and habitat modifications can help remove collared doves. Installing bird netting or spikes can block nesting areas, along with a host of other bird control techniques. To protect your home from problem birds, working with our professional technicians is often the best choice.
They can outcompete native birds for food and nesting sites, and large populations may create mess and noise concerns.
The most effective bird control deterrents are physical barriers like bird spikes or netting, combined with reducing access to food sources.
Yes, in many parts of North America, collared doves are considered invasive due to their rapid spread and impact on native species.
The mourning dove is smaller, slimmer, and lacks the black collar found on the collared dove.