Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

 

• Appearance:
• Greyish-tan to pinkish-grey body and head
• Black half-collar on back of neck
• Dark primaries
• Long, squared tail; undersurface with black base and white tip / uppersurface gray with white outer tips  

Listen to its call.

 

I saw a pair of these birds perched side by side on a wire on Martindale Road this afternoon.  At the time, it didn't occur to me to get a photograph of them from the back as well as from the front. However, in spite of that as well as the poor lighting, I'm pretty sure that I've identified this bird correctly. Of course, it helps that sightings of a pair of Eurasian Collared-Dove have been reported in the Martindale area recently.  Okay, so I might not be a bird expert yet, but at least I'm honest. 

 

Learn more about the Eurasian Collared-Dove.

Mourning Dove

Zenaida macroura

Appearance:
Large, plump dove
Long, pointed tail
Small head
Gray-brown to buff-tan
Black spots on wings
Small, dark bill
Male:
   Pinkish chest
   Blue-gray crown

Listen to its song.
 





There had been numerous sightings of these birds on Dooley Road and Lochside Drive recently. After a number of misses, our visits to the area finally coincided.  I found these two birds perched on a telephone wire by the side of the road. 

All my life, I thought these birds were Morning Doves. Maybe they like to come out in the early part of the day. Apparently, it gets its name from its mournful song. Boy, do I feel silly. Stupid homonyms!

Learn more about the Mourning Dove.

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

 

Description:
Dark bill
Dark, iridescent head and neck
Pale gray body
Two black bars on wings
Dark tipped tail

(Variable in color)

Listen to its call

In honour of Valentine’s Day, I chose a dove as my bird of the day. Since doves mate for life, they represent love. This symbolism dates back to ancient times. In Greek mythology, the dove was the sacred creature of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Okay, I know what you’re thinking, “That’s just a stupid pigeon”. Although commonly referred to as a pigeon, this bird is actually a dove. (At least it was until 2004 when it was officially renamed the Rock Pigeon). Furthermore, pigeons aren’t stupid at all. In fact, they are considered to be one of the most intelligent birds. Sort of makes you want to treat them with more respect, doesn’t it?

Learn more about the Rock Pigeon.