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African Collared-Dove

Streptopelia roseogrisea ORDER: COLUMBIFORMES FAMILY: COLUMBIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

The African Collared-Dove is very rarely seen as a wild bird in North America, and it is very difficult to distinguish from the Eurasian Collared-Dove. Birds that are seen are often escaped pets and are often called Ringed Turtle-Doves, a form of African Collared-Dove that has been domesticated for centuries. These birds frequently escape from captivity, and feral populations have become established in some cities in the southern United States.

Appearance

Doves
Doves
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized bird.
  • Small head.
  • Pale buff to white body and head.
  • Black half-collar on back of neck.
  • Medium-long square tail.

Immature Description

Juvenile paler and duller, with gray feet and eyes that gradually change to adult color. Eyes become yellowish, then orange, then adult red.

Range Map Help

African Collared-Dove Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
    Zoom In

    African Collared-Dove

    Adult
    • © Jed Hertz, Momence Sod Farm, Illinois, September 2009
  • Adult
    Zoom In

    African Collared-Dove

    Adult
  • Adult
    Zoom In

    African Collared-Dove

    Adult
    • © Mike Bush, Morro Bay State Park, California, June 2014

Similar Species

Similar Species

Eurasian Collared-Dove is very similar and much more widespread in North America. Its has dark gray undertail coverts, extensive black on underside of tail feathers, and is somewhat darker. Mourning Dove is darker, has pointed tail with white outer tail feathers, and a spot, not a collar, on its neck. White-winged Dove has large white patch in wing, a black band above the white tail tip, and has a teardrop-shaped spot on face. Introduced Spotted Dove is darker, and has a broad collar of black and white spots on back of neck.

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