Where does the Red Collared Dove live?
Streptopelia tranquebarica
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Open the appThe Red Collared Dove lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
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.
Preferred environments
Open woodlands, scrub, agricultural fields, gardens, parks, and human habitations. They prefer areas with scattered trees and access to water.
Elevation range
Typically found from sea level up to 1,500 meters, occasionally higher in some regions.
Where to look
Open Woodlands and Scrublands
Look in areas with scattered trees, bushes, and open ground, especially near agricultural fields.
Agricultural Areas
Often found foraging in cultivated fields, particularly those growing grains or oilseeds.
Gardens and Parks
Common in urban and suburban green spaces, especially where food sources like bird feeders or fallen seeds are available.
Near Human Habitations
They are quite habituated to humans and can be seen in villages and towns.
Field tips
- Listen for Calls. Their soft cooing call is often the first indication of their presence, especially in dense foliage.
- Scan Open Ground. They frequently forage on the ground, so scan open areas, paths, and field edges.
- Check Trees and Wires. They often perch on overhead wires, fences, or in the canopy of trees, especially during midday heat.
- Look for Pairs. While they can be solitary, they are often seen in pairs, particularly during the breeding season.
Migration
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.
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