The Eurasian collared dove is larger, paler, and has a distinctive black collar on the back of its neck, while the mourning dove is smaller, more slender, and has a long, pointed tail with white edges. These two species are often confused in North America, but they differ in size, shape, color, behavior, and sound.
Background and Origins
The mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) is native to North America and has been a familiar backyard bird for centuries. It appears in Native American folklore and is a common symbol of peace and hope. Its soft, sorrowful cooing gives it its name.
The Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is a relatively recent arrival. Originally from Asia and Europe, it spread rapidly across Europe in the 20th century and was first recorded in North America in the 1970s in Florida. It has since expanded across much of the United States and into Canada, often thriving in suburban and agricultural areas.
Physical Identification
Size and shape are the quickest ways to tell them apart. The Eurasian collared dove is noticeably larger, about 11–13 inches long with a chunky body and a short, square tail. The mourning dove is more delicate, about 9–13 inches long, with a long, pointed tail that makes up nearly half its length.
- Color: Collared doves are pale gray-tan with a slight pinkish wash on the chest; mourning doves are more brownish-tan with darker spots on the wings.
- Neck mark: The collared dove has a thin black crescent (the “collar”) on the back of its neck; mourning doves have no collar but may show a few small dark spots.
- Tail: Mourning doves have long, pointed tails edged in white; collared doves have shorter, square tails with a white tip only when flying.
- Eyes: Collared doves have red eyes with a pale eye ring; mourning doves have dark eyes with a thin blue ring.
Vocalizations and Behavior
Mourning doves produce a distinctive, mournful “coo-ah, coo, coo” that is often mistaken for an owl. The Eurasian collared dove makes a harsh, three-syllable “coo-COO-coo” that is more nasal and repetitive. In flight, mourning doves whistle with their wings, especially when taking off, while collared doves are quieter but may clap their wings during display flights.
Behaviorally, Eurasian collared doves are more social and often gather in small flocks at feeders. Mourning doves are more likely to feed alone or in pairs, though they may form large flocks in winter. Both species are ground feeders and prefer seeds, but collared doves are more adaptable and will also eat berries and grains.
Habitat and Distribution
Mourning doves are widespread across southern Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Central America. They favor open woodlands, farmland, and suburban areas with scattered trees. They are migratory in the north, moving south in winter.
Eurasian collared doves are now found across much of the United States, especially in the Southeast, Southwest, and along the West Coast. They are year-round residents and do not migrate. They thrive in towns, parks, and farms, often perching on utility wires and rooftops.
Diet and Feeding
Both species eat seeds almost exclusively—about 90% of their diet is seeds from grasses, weeds, and grains. They will visit platform feeders or scatter seed on the ground. If you want to attract either, offer millet, sunflower hearts, cracked corn, or safflower seeds.
One key difference: mourning doves are more cautious and may take flight at sudden movement, while collared doves are bolder and may even feed alongside chickens or other birds. Both need a reliable water source, especially in summer.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that Eurasian collared doves are aggressive and will drive away native doves. While they can be dominant at feeders, they do not typically attack other birds. They may, however, outcompete mourning doves for nesting sites in some areas.
Another confusion arises from the name “collared dove.” The African collared dove (a domesticated form, often called the ring-necked dove) is smaller and has a more distinct black ring around the front of the neck. The Eurasian collared dove’s collar is only on the back of the neck, not the front.
If you see a dove with a black ring around the front of its neck, it is likely an escaped pet, not a wild Eurasian collared dove.
How to Tell Them Apart in the Field
Use these steps when you spot a dove:
- Check the tail: long and pointed = mourning dove; short and square = collared dove.
- Look for a black crescent on the back of the neck: present = collared dove; absent = mourning dove.
- Note the size: if it’s noticeably larger than a robin, it’s probably a collared dove.
- Listen to the call: a soft, sad coo = mourning dove; a harsh, three-note coo = collared dove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dove is bigger?
The Eurasian collared dove is larger and heavier, with a more robust body. Mourning doves are sleeker and more elongated, with a longer tail.
Are Eurasian collared doves invasive?
They are considered an introduced species in North America, but they are not classified as invasive in most states. They do not cause significant ecological harm, though they may compete with native birds for food and nesting spots.
Do mourning doves migrate?
Yes, northern populations of mourning doves migrate south in fall, sometimes traveling hundreds of miles. Eurasian collared doves are non-migratory and stay in the same area year-round.
Can these doves interbreed?
No. They belong to different genera (Zenaida vs. Streptopelia) and are not known to produce hybrids in the wild.
Which dove is more common at feeders?
In areas where both occur, Eurasian collared doves often dominate feeders because they are larger and more assertive. Mourning doves are still common but may wait for space.
Are Eurasian collared doves protected?
Yes, they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States, as are mourning doves. You cannot harm or remove them without a permit.
Related
- My Boss Chinese Drama: Hero and Cast Explained
- Hero Chinese Food: What It Is and What to Expect
- Mayan Gods in SMITE: Playable Deities and Their Roles
How pages are sourced and corrected: Sources and editorial policy.