Collared dove

Since the UK's first breeding collared doves were recorded in the mid-1950s, their numbers have sky-rocketed to make them one of the top ten most common garden birds. Their invasion of Europe from Asia began in the mid-20th century and once they'd arrived, farmyards full of fallen grain and plentiful animal feed were the springboard for a rapid population expansion into our mills, docks and towns.

The familiar, repetitive cooing from a pair of collared doves seems pleasant at first, but all too soon becomes irritatingly monotonous to many people. This is especially likely with a feeding flock.

Scientific name: Streptopelia decaocto
Rank: Species

Common names:

Eurasian collared dove