Eurasian Collared Dove in the Indian Subcontinent: A Complete Guide

Discover everything about the Eurasian Collared Dove in the Indian subcontinent-habitat, behavior, diet, breeding, and how to attract them to your garden

The Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is one of the most graceful and recognizable birds found across the Indian subcontinent. With its soft cooing, elegant pale feathers, and distinctive black “collar,” this dove has become a familiar sight in urban, rural, and semi-wild areas. Though native to parts of Asia and Europe, this species has expanded its range dramatically in recent decades. In this blog post, we explore everything you need to know about the Eurasian Collared Dove in the Indian context — from identification and behavior to habitat, feeding habits, and conservation status.

Eurasian collared dove

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Appearance and Identification

The Eurasian Collared Dove is a medium-sized dove, about 32–34 cm in length, with a wingspan of approximately 47–55 cm. Its most distinguishing feature is the narrow black crescent or "collar" on the back of its neck, which is edged with white. The bird is overall pale greyish-buff in color with a slightly pinkish hue on the chest.

Other identification features include:

• Red eyes with a black pupil.

• Black bill, slightly curved.

• White-tipped tail visible during flight.

• Smooth, streamlined body and soft feathers.

Its gentle, rhythmic “coo-COO-coo” call is another characteristic that often gives away its presence even before you see it.

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Distribution in the Indian Subcontinent

The Eurasian Collared Dove is widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent and is a resident breeder in:

• India

• Pakistan

• Bangladesh

• Nepal

• Sri Lanka

• Bhutan

It thrives in both urban and rural environments, often seen perching on rooftops, telephone wires, tree branches, and electrical poles. These birds have adapted impressively well to human settlements and are even found in densely populated cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Dhaka, and Kathmandu.

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Habitat Preferences

One of the reasons for the Eurasian Collared Dove's successful spread is its high adaptability to various environments. Its preferred habitats include:

• Agricultural fields

• Suburban gardens

• Village courtyards

• Open woodlands

• Temple and monastery grounds

• Parks and urban areas

These doves avoid dense forests and extremely arid regions but can thrive almost anywhere with scattered trees, open ground, and access to food.

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Behavior and Daily Life

Eurasian Collared Doves are non-migratory and are typically seen in pairs or small flocks. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon.

Key behaviors include:

• Perching and sunbathing during the midday heat.

• Ground feeding, often near grain storage, poultry farms, or fields.

• Dust bathing to remove parasites.

• Vocalizing, especially males during mating season.

These doves are territorial, particularly during the breeding season. Males perform a display flight, ascending steeply and gliding down with wings spread and tail fanned to impress a potential mate.

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Diet and Feeding Habits

Eurasian Collared Doves primarily feed on:

• Grains and seeds (millet, wheat, rice, maize)

• Fruits and berries

• Insects and small invertebrates (occasionally)

They are ground feeders and are often seen foraging in:

• Crop fields

• Backyard feeding stations

• Roadside grain spills

• Livestock enclosures

Their affinity for human habitation often leads them to feed near grain markets, temples (where offerings are made), or residential areas where seeds are left for birds.

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Breeding and Nesting

The Eurasian Collared Dove has a long breeding season, which in the Indian subcontinent can span from February to October, peaking in spring and monsoon seasons.

Nesting habits:

• Nests are built in trees, shrubs, balconies, ledges, or on AC units.

• The male collects twigs while the female constructs the nest, a flimsy platform.

• Two white eggs are laid and both parents incubate for 14–18 days.

• Chicks fledge after 15–20 days, and a pair can raise 3–6 broods per year.

This prolific breeding behavior contributes to the species’ rapid population growth and wide distribution.

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Role in the Ecosystem

While they may not be top predators or keystone species, Eurasian Collared Doves play a key role in seed dispersal and act as prey for raptors such as:

• Shikra

• Black kite

• Peregrine falcon

Their abundance supports the diets of these birds of prey and helps maintain a balanced food web.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Eurasian Collared Dove as Least Concern (LC). It has an extremely large range and a growing global population. In the Indian subcontinent, its numbers are stable and even increasing in some regions.

Threats:

• Predation by cats and birds of prey

• Collisions with vehicles

• Occasional nest destruction during urban construction

However, none of these pose a major threat to the species as a whole due to their adaptability and breeding capacity.

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Fun Facts

1. The name “collared” comes from the distinctive black neck band.

2. Originally native to Asia, it spread into Europe during the 20th century.

3. It is often seen perched in Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temple courtyards.

4. Eurasian Collared Doves are monogamous, often forming long-term pair bonds.

5. Their call is sometimes mistaken for that of an owl or koel.

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How to Attract Eurasian Collared Doves to Your Garden

If you're a bird lover, attracting these doves is easy:

• Provide a shallow water dish for drinking and bathing.

• Offer millets, rice, or cracked corn on a flat surface.

• Plant native trees or shrubs like Neem, Peepal, or Guava for nesting.

• Avoid using pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

Their presence adds charm, sound, and beauty to any garden or courtyard.

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Final Thoughts

The Eurasian Collared Dove is a wonderful example of a species that has adapted to life alongside humans without becoming a nuisance. Its soothing calls, elegant movements, and gentle demeanor make it a favorite among bird watchers across the Indian subcontinent. With simple efforts, we can make our surroundings more bird-friendly and enjoy the natural harmony that these birds bring to our lives.