Streptopelia decaocto                                      Photo Fiona Sunquist ©

This medium sized dove is a native of Europe and Asia, and a very recent immigrant to Florida. Introduced to the Bahamas in the 1970’s it spread to Florida in 1982, and is now found throughout the state.

Named for and easily recognized by the black half-collar edged with white, collared doves usually live close to humans and their buildings. They breed throughout the year and may commonly raise three or four broods a year.

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