Description With a flash of white tail feathers and a flurry of dark-tipped wings, the Eurasian Collared-Dove settles onto phone wires and fence posts to give its rhythmic three-parted coo. This chunky relative of the Mourning Dove gets its name from the black half-collar at the nape of the neck. A few Eurasian Collared-Doves were introduced to the Bahamas in the 1970s. They made their way to Florida by the 1980s and then rapidly colonized most of North America. Collared Doves typically breed close to human habitation wherever food resources are abundant and there are trees for nesting; almost all nests are within a kilometer of inhabited buildings. The female lays two white eggs in a stick nest, which she incubates during the night and which the male incubates during the day. Incubation lasts between fourteen and eighteen days, with the young fledging after fifteen to nineteen days. Breeding occurs throughout the year when abundant food is available, though only rarely in winter in areas with cold winters such as northeastern Europe. Three to four broods per year is common, although up to six broods in a year has been recorded. The male's mating display is a ritual flight, which, as many other pigeons, consists of a rapid, near-vertical climb to height followed by a long glide downward in a circle, with the wings held below the body in an inverted 'V' shape. At all other times, flight is typically direct using fast and clipped wing beats and without use of gliding. The Collared Dove is not wary and often feeds very close to human habitation, including visiting bird tables; the largest populations are typically found around farms where split grain is frequent around grain stores or where livestock are fed. It is a gregarious species and sizable winter flocks will form where there are food supplies such as grain (its main food) as well as seeds, shoots and insects. Flocks most commonly number between ten and fifty, but flocks of up to ten thousand have been recorded.
Etched Memories Photo - Lori Tordsen's Recent Work
About the artist
Etched Memories Photo - Lori Tordsen, Clinton Member Since September 2010 Artist Statement I am very passionate about wildlife and nature photography. One of my goals is to help increase public awareness of the wonders of wildlife and our natural heritage through my images.
I am able to combine my love of wildlife, appreciation of the great outdoors and have a wonderful time in the process.
Photographing wildlife in their natural habitat provides an exciting glimpse into the fascinating world of nature and wildlife.
I encourage you and your families to photograph and observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Share your photos and your experiences outdoors, with your family and friends.