Red Collared Dove

About

The Red Collared Dove is a small, slender dove species characterized by its distinctive black collar and varying shades of reddish-brown plumage. It is a common resident breeder across much of its range in Asia, often found in open woodlands, cultivated areas, and human settlements.

Size & lifespan

Length

20-23 cm

Wingspan

30-35 cm

Weight

70-100 g

Lifespan

Approximately 5-7 years in the wild

Diet

Granivore (primarily seeds, grains, and some small invertebrates)

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Males have a reddish-pink head, neck, and underparts, fading to a paler pinkish-grey on the belly. The back and wings are a darker reddish-brown. A prominent black collar is present on the hindneck. The tail is dark with white outer tail feathers. Females are duller, with a greyish-brown head and underparts, and a less vibrant reddish-brown on the back and wings, though still retaining the black collar. Both sexes have dark primary flight feathers.

Beak shape

Slender, dark grey to blackish beak with a slightly swollen cere.

Eye color

Dark brown with a narrow, purplish-red orbital ring.

Leg color

Dull reddish-purple to dark red.

Distinguishing features

The most distinctive feature is the broad black collar on the hindneck, contrasting with the reddish plumage of the male and the greyish-brown of the female. The relatively small size and short tail are also good indicators.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles resemble females but are even duller and browner, lacking the distinct black collar which develops later. Their plumage is generally more mottled and less uniform.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. The intensity of male coloration might vary slightly with breeding condition, but no distinct breeding vs. non-breeding plumages.

Sexual dimorphism

Pronounced. Males are distinctly reddish-pink on the head, neck, and underparts, while females are much duller, predominantly greyish-brown with a less intense reddish wash on the back.

How to identify

1. 1

   Size and Shape

   Look for a small, slender dove with a relatively short tail, smaller than most other common doves in its range.

2. 2

   Black Collar

   The most definitive feature is the broad, solid black collar on the hindneck, present in both sexes and juveniles (though less defined in the latter).

3. 3

   Male Plumage

   Males are unmistakable with their reddish-pink head, neck, and underparts, contrasting with the black collar and reddish-brown back.

4. 4

   Female Plumage

   Females are duller, greyish-brown overall, but still retain the black collar and a subtle reddish wash on the back and wings.

5. 5

   Vocalization

   Listen for its soft, disyllabic 'coo-coo' or 'coo-croo' call, which is distinct from other dove species.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests, grasslands, shrublands, cultivated lands, urban and suburban areas.

Geographic range

South Asia (Indian subcontinent), Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, southern China), and parts of East Asia (Taiwan, southern Japan). Introduced to some Pacific islands.

Elevation range

Typically found from sea level up to 1,500 meters, occasionally higher in some regions.

Preferred environments

Open woodlands, scrub, agricultural fields, gardens, parks, and human habitations. They prefer areas with scattered trees and access to water.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, most active during the early morning and late afternoon.

Feeding habits

Primarily ground feeders, foraging for seeds, grains, and fallen berries. They will also consume small insects and termites opportunistically. They often feed in open areas, sometimes in small flocks.

Social behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs, but can form small flocks, especially when feeding in agricultural fields or around water sources. They are generally not highly gregarious outside of feeding.

Flight pattern

Direct and swift flight with rapid wing beats, typical of doves. They can be quite agile when maneuvering through trees.

Migration pattern

Mostly resident throughout its range, but northern populations (e.g., in China) may undertake short-distance altitudinal or partial migrations to warmer areas during winter. Some dispersal movements are also observed.

Territoriality

Males can be territorial during the breeding season, defending nesting sites and mates with calls and displays, though not aggressively. They are generally tolerant of other doves outside of direct nesting proximity.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Varies geographically, but generally from February to October in most parts of its range, with peaks during spring and monsoon seasons.

Nesting habits

Nests are typically flimsy platforms of twigs, placed in trees or shrubs, often at a height of 2-5 meters. They may also nest on ledges of buildings or other man-made structures.

Clutch size

Typically 2 eggs.

Egg description

Usually two pure white, elliptical eggs, smooth and glossy.

Incubation period

Approximately 13-15 days.

Fledging period

Young fledge around 10-12 days after hatching.

Parental care

Both parents share incubation duties and care for the young, feeding them 'crop milk' initially, then regurgitated seeds.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for Calls. Their soft cooing call is often the first indication of their presence, especially in dense foliage.
2. Scan Open Ground. They frequently forage on the ground, so scan open areas, paths, and field edges.
3. Check Trees and Wires. They often perch on overhead wires, fences, or in the canopy of trees, especially during midday heat.
4. Look for Pairs. While they can be solitary, they are often seen in pairs, particularly during the breeding season.

Similar species

Quick facts

Distinctive Feature:

Black collar on hindneck

Male Coloration:

Reddish-pink head and underparts

Female Coloration:

Greyish-brown with reddish wash

Diet:

Seeds and grains

Habitat:

Open woodlands, cultivated areas, urban parks

Fun facts

• The Red Collared Dove is one of the most common and widespread dove species in Asia, adapting well to human-modified landscapes.
• Despite its common name, the 'red' coloration is primarily seen in the male; females are much duller.
• They are known to be quite tame and approachable in areas where they are accustomed to human presence.
• Like other doves, they drink water by sucking it up rather than tilting their heads back, a unique adaptation among birds.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Columbiformes

Family

Columbidae

Genus

Streptopelia

Species

Streptopelia tranquebarica

Explore the Red Collared Dove