I’ve been putting out chicken scratch for the voracious Red-wings and Eurasian Collared-Doves…and found my first possible anomaly. (Sorry the pics are bad: distance and double-paned windows are in the way. Have I mentioned I need a scope?)I have a Leucistic visitor, maybe. Perhaps it is a Ringed Turtle-Dove, but I understand they are smaller birds than the Eurasian Doves…this bird doesn’t seem to be smaller. If it is a Turtle-Dove, it seems pretty far from where there are year-round population-map indicates they exist (along Gulf Coast and in California)…but
then, the Eurasian Dove is marching across the America’s pretty darn fast, too!One hundred years ago, the Eurasian Collared-Dove was found only in Europe, Turkey; the Indian subcontinent. When the species began expanding its range and by 1950 had reached the British Isles and today is living even in Scandinavia and arrived in Florida from the Bahamas, in the 1980’s after an unassisted migration.
In that Ringed Turtle-Doves, a common cage bird, that escapes and can appear anywhere, looks so much like the Eurasian Collared-Dove, the rapid march Eurasians were making across North America nearly went unnoticed. At least in 1998, Cornell was still asking for reports of either dove when seen at feeders and for photographs to be sent in, if possible, with their Project FeederWatch.
Check out the project here: …I’m going to take part.
UPDATE: Okay, I have been reading blogs, websites, and books regarding Doves and have yet to find more information untill now. Here is an interesting little discovery. The blogger discusses (and offers stunning photos) of an African Collared-Dove.........................formerly known as the Ringed Turtle-Dove??? Yup, her 2004 post says what is now Streptopelia roseogrisea was Streptopelia risoria. The blogger even offers an excellent photo of the two for comparrison. I am fairly certain 'my' bird is the same breed she compares to the Eurasian bird. Here is an interesting article on the Doves: DovePage
The problem I have with all this is: 'my' dove is lighter in color and not small. My photos clearly show it is about the same size as the Eurasian Dove.
Great...things are changing faster than I am learning 'em!
So, the Ringed Turtle-Dove (that I only just discovered), already has a new name? Heck...Sibley doesn't even list it...the new name, I mean. Please leave comments, I'd appreciate your help.
