Bird Guide

Eurasian Collared Dove vs European Turtle Dove

Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

Eurasian Collared Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

Medium149 gUrban

The Eurasian collared dove is a medium-sized dove, with an average length of 32 cm (13 in) from tip of beak to tip of tail, a wingspan of 47–55 cm (19–22 in) and a weight of 125–240 g (4.4–8.5 oz). It is grey-buff to pinkish-grey, a little darker above than below, and with a blue-grey underwing patch. The tail feathers are grey-buff above, and dark grey and tipped white below; the outer tail feathers are also tipped whitish above. It has a black half-collar edged with white on its nape from which it gets its name. The short legs are red, and the bill is black.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Lionel Triboulin · CC0
Photo: Flocci Nivis · CC BY 4.0
European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur)

European Turtle Dove

Streptopelia turtur

Medium132 gWoodland

The European turtle dove is smaller and more slender than many other doves. It measures 26–28 cm (10–11 in) in length, has a wingspan of 47–53 cm (19–21 in) and weighs 100–156 g (3.5–5.5 oz). It can be recognised by its brown colouring and the black-and-white-striped patch on the side of its neck. When the bird flies from the observer, the tail is notable as it is wedge-shaped with a dark centre and white borders and tips. When viewed from below, the pattern, due to the white under-tail coverts obscuring the dark bases, resembles a blackish chevron on a white background.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Sonothèque ADVL · CC0
Photo: Vasileia Sef · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

And 58 more countries.

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Eurasian Collared Dove and European Turtle Dove.