Wildlife

Collared Dove: Remarkable Colonisation and Welfare

The collared dove completed one of the most rapid range expansions in bird history, raising welfare questions about urban bird populations.

Key Facts

Collared doves reached Britain from Turkey and the Balkans in just 20 years during the 1950s to 1970s
They expanded across Europe at a rate of roughly 50 kilometres per year
Collared doves can breed year-round in mild climates producing up to 5 broods
They feed mainly on cereal grains and seeds
UK population is now over 1 million breeding pairs

Welfare Considerations

Urban collared doves face hazards from cats, window strikes, and vehicle collisions. Birds feeding near roads may be struck by vehicles. Chicks are vulnerable during extended breeding seasons which can leave parents exhausted from repeated nesting. Supplementary feeding can attract large concentrations that may spread disease.

What You Can Do

Provide grain-based bird feed separately from small seed mixes to cater to dove preferences
Keep garden cats indoors during peak nesting periods in spring and early summer
Apply window decals or external blinds to reduce fatal strikes
Avoid overfilling feeders which can lead to crowding and disease spread
Support local surveys that track dove population health and trends