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Birds

Birds

Common name Eurasian collared dove
Scientific name Streptopelia decaocto
Type Urban birds
Status Resident

Exotic bird of medium size (about 32 cm or 12.5 in), very similar physically to the European Turtle Dove, although more slender. Uniform plumage in a pale cream tone. Elongated tail with white ends and black base. Black collar on the neck (differential feature).

Habitats

Urban environments

Where it lives

Species native to Asia and the Middle East that has expanded across Europe, reaching the Mediterranean since the seventies and colonizing the entire peninsula quickly. Linked to open areas with scattered trees. Preference for groves, which it occupies, in parks and gardens, urban environments and their surroundings, urbanizations and farmlands.

How it lives

Naturalized species and resident all year round in the province. The Eurasian Collared Dove breeds between February and October, making several annual layings of 1 to 2 eggs. Nest in trees. Granivorous feeding (herbaceous seeds, cereal and green parts of plants). It consumes invertebrates in its reproductive period.

Where it can be seen in Malaga

Very frequent and abundant species in the province. It can be observed practically in all the cities and towns of Malaga, as well as in most stages of the Great Path, except in the high mountain ones.

Curious facts

The Latin name of this turtle dove refers to a dove with a collar (from the Greek, "streptos", "collar"; "pelia", "pigeon") related to the number eighteen (from Latin, "deca-octo"). Decaoto was a servant who, according to Greek mythology, was turned into a turtle dove by the gods for refusing to pay an annual tax consisting of eighteen coins. Another legend, more related to the Judeo-Christian morality, relates the turtle dove to the thirst of Christ on the cross: a Roman soldier wanted to buy him a bowl of milk that cost 18 coins but he had only 17. As he could not buy it he was cursed and turned into a turtle dove that constantly repeated the number 18 in Greek. This "divine curse" seems to be related to the rapid expansion of the species, which in turn has led to a drastic reduction in the numbers of the native species.

Similar birds
Routes where it can be observed
Present
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Wintering Summer Resident Migration
Audios