Eurasian collared dove

The Eurasian collared dove, native to Europe and Asia, has now extended its presence to regions such as Japan, North America, and various Caribbean islands. This species is flourishing globally, which is why it is classified as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List, indicating there is no immediate threat to its population. Belonging to the genus *Streptopelia*, the Eurasian collared dove comprises two subspecies. It is closely related to the Sunda collared dove and the African collared dove, forming a sort of familial group.

The bird earns its name from the distinctive half-collar marking on its neck. It is a medium-sized dove with feathers ranging from grey-buff to pinkish-grey, a blue-grey patch under its wings, and a characteristic black half-collar outlined in white. While it is not migratory, it excels at rapidly colonizing new areas. In North America, it has proven to be quite the invader, spreading from the Bahamas to nearly every U.S. state and into Mexico.

Eurasian collared doves favor breeding near human settlements. They lay two white eggs in nests crafted from sticks and generally maintain a monogamous relationship with their mate. Their diet consists of grains, seeds, shoots, and insects, and they often gather in large flocks where food is plentiful. Despite concerns about competition with native species and potential disease transmission, the impact of Eurasian collared doves on various ecosystems can differ significantly across regions.