Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto decaocto) - 20121009-03
Large pale dove with a black crescent on the nape. Slightly smaller and paler than Rock Pigeon, with a proportionately longer, square-tipped tail. Favors farms and suburbs; avoids areas with extensive forests. Typically seen in pairs or small loose groups; forms larger flocks in winter. Widespread and common throughout much of Eurasia, India, and northern Africa. Introduced to the Bahamas in the 1970s; it has spread rapidly across much of North America, where now abundant and conspicuous, though notably absent from the northeastern U.S. Compare with African Collared-Dove, which may occur in small feral populations or as an escapee throughout Eurasian Collared-Dove’s range. Especially note tail pattern from below: mostly white, contrasting with the grayish undertail coverts, and with black extending down the outer edge of the tail feathers. Voice - a cooing “woop-WOOO!-woop” - is also helpful. (eBird)
Not sure where the rather interesting pompadour came from, but it makes the bird look rather debonair!
Isles of Scilly (St. Mary's), Cornwall, England. October 2012.
Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto decaocto) - 20121009-03
Large pale dove with a black crescent on the nape. Slightly smaller and paler than Rock Pigeon, with a proportionately longer, square-tipped tail. Favors farms and suburbs; avoids areas with extensive forests. Typically seen in pairs or small loose groups; forms larger flocks in winter. Widespread and common throughout much of Eurasia, India, and northern Africa. Introduced to the Bahamas in the 1970s; it has spread rapidly across much of North America, where now abundant and conspicuous, though notably absent from the northeastern U.S. Compare with African Collared-Dove, which may occur in small feral populations or as an escapee throughout Eurasian Collared-Dove’s range. Especially note tail pattern from below: mostly white, contrasting with the grayish undertail coverts, and with black extending down the outer edge of the tail feathers. Voice - a cooing “woop-WOOO!-woop” - is also helpful. (eBird)
Not sure where the rather interesting pompadour came from, but it makes the bird look rather debonair!
Isles of Scilly (St. Mary's), Cornwall, England. October 2012.