Streptopelia decaocto

Interesting facts: In the 20th century, the collared dove has expanded out of its original range, in Turkey, to be distributed throughout the whole of Europe. It is often followed close to humans. It likes to observe its feeding area from an elevated point. In addition to cereal grains, it also eats sunflower seeds and maize kernels, which they take straight from the flower head or cob. It also eats berries while climbing in the bush. Collared does have many natural enemies, such as birds of prey, crows and also cats. Old and young birds are seen equally as prey. They breed up to four times a year.

Characteristics: Plumage predominantly pretty beige-brown, with a black neck ring edged above and below with white; short, delicate, thin beak; dark eyes; pink to skin-coloured legs and feet

Body length: Longer than 30 cm (longer than a blackbird)

Distribution: Urban areas, villages, often in parks and gardens, also in city centres