Eurasian Collared Dove or African Collared Dove?
Here's how to tell the difference
Eurasian Collared Dove
African Collared Dove
Eurasian Collared Dove
Streptopelia decaocto
General appearance
The Eurasian collared dove measures approximately 12 1/2 inches (32 cm) in length. Its predominant color is pale brown, with a distinctive narrow black ring around its neck. It has large white patches on its outer tail feathers. The species is darker than the domesticated Ringed-Turtle-Dove, especially on undertail coverts and wingtips. The size is roughly equivalent to that of a crow. The wings are of a broad and pointed shape, and the tail shape is generally rounded or square-tipped.
Male vs female
There are minimal noticeable differences between the sexes in the Eurasian collared dove. Both males and females exhibit similar features such as the black neck ring, pale brown body color, and white patches on the tail. Any variation is subtle and generally indistinguishable in the wild.
Juvenile
Juvenile Eurasian collared doves are similar in size and color to adults, but they may have slightly duller coloration. Recognizing them may be challenging due to their resemblance to adult birds until they attain their distinctive adult plumage.
Size
11.4 - 11.8 in/4.9 - 6.3 oz
There's more to learn about Eurasian Collared Dove
View full detailsAfrican Collared Dove
Streptopelia roseogrisea
General appearance
The African Collared-Dove is slightly smaller than the Eurasian Collared-Dove. They generally possess a light grey feather coat with distinctive black semi-circular line on the back of their neck, giving them their collared name. It is difficult to distinguish them from the Eurasian variety as their appearance in the wild is rare.
Male vs female
Males and females are similar in appearance, making it difficult to differentiate between sexes based on visual features. Both genders strut the same light grey coloration with contrasting black neck collars. Size and behavior patterns may sometimes provide clues, but visual identification remains challenging.
Juvenile
Juvenile African Collared-Doves resemble adults but lack the characteristic black collar. Their plumage is slightly duller than adults and they feature less distinct markings. With age, they develop the collar and their feather coloring shifts towards the grey hue distinctive of the species.
Size
9.8 - 10.6 in/4.6 - 5.9 oz
There's more to learn about African Collared Dove
View full detailsHow to tell the Eurasian Collared Dove from the African Collared Dove
Visual differences
The Eurasian Collared Dove is slightly larger, measuring about 12.5 inches long, with pale brown plumage and distinctive large white tail patches. In contrast, the African Collared Dove is smaller, at 10-10.5 inches, with a light grey coloration. Both have a black neck collar, but the African species is generally greyer and less robust-looking, lacking the Eurasian's darker undertones on undertail coverts. The tail is rounded in Eurasian and squared in African, aiding distinction. Juveniles of both species are duller and lack full adult markings.
Key differences and behavior
The Eurasian Collared Dove and the African Collared Dove display distinct behavioral differences. Eurasian Collared Doves are less social, often found in pairs or small groups, inhabiting suburbs and farmlands, and favoring trees and open areas. In contrast, African Collared Doves are highly sociable, preferring semi-arid regions, savannas, and areas near water, often seen in large flocks. Both species share similar nesting habits, constructing flimsy twig nests in trees, but Eurasian Collared Doves may nest in urban areas more frequently. Diet-wise, both species consume seeds and can adapt to human-provided food, but Eurasian Collared Doves are more likely to include waste grains and bred in their diet. During courtship, both show aerial displays, but the Eurasian Collared Dove's male attracts with a distinct harsh call, while African Collared Doves engage in unified cooing calls. These behavioral nuances assist in distinguishing the species in their respective environments.
Still not sure? Here are more lookalikes!
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Eurasian Collared Dove vs White-Winged Dove
African Collared Dove vs Mourning Dove
African Collared Dove vs White-Winged Dove
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