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Birds of Zihuatanejo

CLASS AVES

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Chordates (Phylum Chordata)

-Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)

-Birds (Class Aves)

-Pigeons and Doves (Order Columbiformes)

-Pigeons and Doves (Family Columbidae)

-Turtle-Doves and Collared-Doves (Genus Streptopelia)

-Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)


The Streptopelia decaocto is a species of dove native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of West and Central Asia. It is a ground-dwelling bird, inhabiting open grassy areas and lightly wooded areas. Introduced into the Bahamas in the 1970s, it has since spread across North and Central Americq. Its diet consists mainly of seeds and grains, as well as some berries and insects. It is a largely solitary species that is usually seen in pairs or small flocks.

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

Diet

  • Primarily seeds and grains, including grasses, cereals, weed seeds, and agricultural crops.

  • Also feeds on small fruits, berries, and occasionally insects and other small invertebrates.

  • Forages mainly on the ground in open areas, often in pairs or small flocks.

Range

  • Native to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, but introduced to the Bahamas in the 1970s and subsequently spread throughout North America, Mexico, and parts of Central America.

  • Now widespread across much of Mexico, including the Zihuatanejo region, where it is a common year-round resident.

  • Closely associated with human habitation, occurring in towns, cities, farms, parks, gardens, agricultural land, and suburban areas.

Male / Female

  • Male: Pale gray-buff plumage with a distinctive black half-collar edged in white on the back of the neck, pinkish breast, broad pale tail with white outer edges, and red eyes. Slightly larger with a heavier head and neck.

  • Female: Nearly identical in plumage but generally a little smaller and more slender.

  • Juveniles: Duller brownish-gray and lack the distinct black neck collar until several months old.

  • Sexes cannot be reliably distinguished in the field except by subtle size differences.

Size

  • Length: 30–33 cm (11.8–13.0 in)

  • Wingspan: 47–55 cm (18.5–21.7 in)

  • Weight: 150–240 g (5.3–8.5 oz)

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