African Collared-Dove Identification

African Collared-Dove Adult/immature
Adult/immature

Fairly large dove with small, round head, thin bill, and square tail. Pale buff-white overall, with black crescent on nape. Note white undertail coverts.

© Ted Floyd | Macaulay LibraryColorado, March 25, 2016
African Collared-Dove Adult/immature
Adult/immature

Fairly large dove with long, square-tipped tail and thin bill. The tail is dark at the base and white at the tip; white extends all the way to the edges of the tail feathers. Note white undertail.

© Jay McGowan | Macaulay LibraryLajas, April 22, 2014
African Collared-Dove Adult/immature
Adult/immature

Plumage can vary from pale gray-white to tawny-buff. Wingtips are only slightly darker than the rest of the wing and back.

© Derek Stokes | Macaulay LibraryAuckland, October 02, 2015
African Collared-Dove Adult/immature
Adult/immature

Rare in continental North America. Often found around human habitation.

© Robert Tovey | Macaulay LibraryDhofar, May 13, 2016
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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.
Relative Size

Relative Sizebetween robin and crowbetween robin and crow
Measurements
  • Both Sexes
    • Length: 10.2-10.6 in (26-27 cm)
    • Weight: 4.6-5.9 oz (130-166 g)
    • Wingspan: 17.7-19.7 in (45-50 cm)