Comparing an Eurasian Collared-Dove and a Mourning Dove
The Key Differences Between An Eurasian Collared-Dove and a Mourning Dove
The key differences between a Eurasian collared dove and a mourning dove are physical appearance and behavior. Eurasian collared doves are generally bigger. Besides, they have a small streak of black feathers across their neck, while mourning birds have a thinner one beneath their eyes. While Eurasian birds make a ‘Kook’ call to mate, mourning birds make a ‘coo’ sound. But wait, there’s more. Other differences between the birds are in their taxonomy, distribution, reproduction, and lifespan. Let’s explore the differences between a Eurasian collared dove and a mourning dove in detail.
Eurasian Collared-Dove vs. Mourning Dove: Taxonomy
Although both birds come from the same family Columbidae, they belong to different genera. The Eurasian collared-dove or Streptopelia decaocto comes from the genus Streptopelia. On the other hand, the mourning bird or Zenaida macroura comes from the genus Zenaida. Other names used in identifying this species of Columbidae birds are the rain dove, the grey dove, the turtle dove, the Carolina pigeon, and the Carolina turtle dove. There are five distinct subspecies of the mourning dove. The mourning dove belongs to the same genus as the eared dove and the Socorro dove, making them more closely related than the Eurasian collared-dove.
Eurasian Collared-Dove vs. Mourning Dove: Physical appearance
The Eurasian collared-doves are generally bigger than the mourning doves. They have an average length of 11.4-11.8 inches. Usually, they weigh between 4.4–8.5 ounces, and their wingspan varies between 18-22 inches. Their plumage contains chalky white and gray-buff hues; the wingtips are usually dark-colored and may vary from dark brown to ashy black. Their tails are shaped like a long rectangle attached to the rear of the body and are covered with white or dark brown feathers. They often have dark feathers running from one side to the other right beneath their necks. On the other hand, mourning doves have an average length that varies between 8.9-14.2 inches. Usually, they weigh between 3.4–6.0 ounces, and their wingspan varies between 14.6-17.7 inches. The plumage of mourning doves contains light grey-brown with pinkish grey-brown bellies and multiple black dots on their wings. Unlike its counterpart, which has a rectangular-shaped tail, the mourning dove’s tail is pointed at the end. They usually have dark feathers shaped like a tiny crescent beneath their eyes.
Eurasian Collared-Dove vs. Mourning Dove: Distribution and Range
The Eurasian collared-doves are natives of Asian countries like India, Southern China, Turkey, and Sri Lanka. However, in the 20th century, they were introduced to parts of Europe, including the Balkans, Germany, Ireland, the Faroe Islands, the Ural Mountains in Russia, and the Arctic Circle in Norway. During this same era, they were distributed to parts of Northern Africa (Including Egypt and Morocco). They now have a wide range and are now distributed to some countries in North America (the United States and Mexico), Japan, and Iceland. In contrast, mourning doves are originally North American birds. They are widespread in Southern Canada, the Southwestern U.S., the Atlantic archipelago of Bermuda, the Greater Antilles, Panama, and Mexico.
Eurasian Collared-Dove vs. Mourning Dove: Behavior
Both birds have several similar behaviors, but some behaviors are typical to each bird. For instance, it’s typical for mourning doves to rain bathe or sunbathe. They do so by lying on the ground or a tree branch while stretching one wing for about 20 minutes. But that is not the only behavior that distinguishes the Eurasian collared-dove from the mourning dove. Both birds also make different call sounds. In order to attract a mate, Eurasian collared-doves use a “kook Koo kook” call which can be reiterated 3 to 12 times. This sound is also used to protect territories from invaders. Female species also make this sound, although they produce a weaker version. However, when the Eurasian collared-dove perceives danger, it makes a “hwaah” sound instead. On the other hand, male mourning doves make a soft ‘coo coo’ whenever they want to attract a mate. Sometimes, the sound can be reiterated 3 to 4 times in an amplified tone. The male birds also coo whenever they are building a nest. However, the nest-building sound varies and sounds more like a “coo OO oo.” Female mourning doves usually make an “ohr ohr” sound when sitting on a nest built by their mates.
Eurasian Collared-Dove Vs. Mourning Dove: Reproduction and Lifespan
There is no set bredding season for Eurasian collared-doves. Breeding occurs throughout the year when there is an abundance of food. They lay two eggs per clutch and may have between two to five clutches per year. Incubation is usually the responsibility of both parents, and it takes between 14-16 days before the egg eventually hatches. Eurasian collared-doves can live for up to 20 years in captivity. On the other hand, breeding season takes place in April and ends in July for mourning doves. However, in some regions, breeding may continue till October. They lay two eggs per clutch and may have three to six clutches per year. Incubation is usually the responsibility of both parents, and it takes between 14-15 days before the egg eventually hatches. The lifespan of an average mourning dove is between 1.5 to 5 years.
