Tag Archive | alberta breeding birds

Backyard Birds: Eurasian Collared-Dove Nesting Pair

Posted by Bob Lefebvre

I’ve had Eurasian Collared-Doves in my SE Calgary neighbourhood since 2009, and they have nested in the area for several years. For the last three years a pair have nested within sight of my house.

The doves are non-migratory but do gather together in small flocks in the winter, and I don’t usually see them around the yard. The nesting pair arrived back on March 17, and perched in our apple tree for a while.

Eurasian Collared-Dove
Eurasian Collared-Dove pair, March 17, 2019. Photo by Bob Lefebvre
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Eurasian Collared-Dove pair, March 17, 2019. Photo by Bob Lefebvre

I have since seen the pair around quite a bit and heard the male calling and displaying. They nest at mid-level in spruce trees and I think I know which spruce they are nesting in, but it’s very hard to find the nest. I’ve never yet seen the nests or young of this species.

Eurasian Collared-Dove
Eurasian Collared-Dove pair, March 17, 2019. Photo by Bob Lefebvre
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Eurasian Collared-Dove pair, March 17, 2019. Photo by Bob Lefebvre