Red Collared Dove

The Red Collared Dove, also known as the Red Turtle Dove, is a small pigeon with a charming presence in the tropics of Asia. The male of the species boasts a blue-grey head and a red-brown body, adorned with a distinctive black ring around its neck. In contrast, the female is much plainer, cloaked in pale brown plumage that echoes the larger Eurasian Collared Dove.

Identification Tips

When observing these doves, look for the male's striking blue-grey head and the black ring that graces its neck. The female, while less colorful, can be identified by her overall pinkish-brown hue, which is a subtler version of the male's plumage.

Habitat

The Red Collared Dove favors the plains, thriving in well-wooded areas such as canal or roadside tree plantations. It tends to avoid rocky foothills and extensive desert regions, preferring the lushness of the plains.

Distribution

This species is widespread, extending from eastern Nepal and northeastern India across to northern China and the Philippines. It is notably common throughout Punjab and is a summer migrant visitor to India, where it often becomes a more permanent resident.

Behaviour

Upon arrival in a new area, Red Collared Doves may initially gather in small flocks. However, they soon disperse to form pairs and commence their breeding rituals. They are most commonly seen in better-wooded tracts, where they can be observed engaging in typical dove behaviors.

Breeding

The Red Collared Dove engages in summer migration to the cultivated valleys of Afghania for breeding purposes. Here, they form pairs and begin the process of raising their young.

Conservation Status

The Red Collared Dove is fortunate to have an extremely large range and a population that, while not precisely quantified, is believed to be robust. Despite some indications of a population decline, the species is currently classified by the IUCN as of Least Concern, suggesting a stable presence in the wild.