Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) on Jun 29, 2010

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

Last Summer (2009) I saw a one or two individuals of this species pass through, and thought it was very odd (since I am a 30+ year resident of Lincoln County & a bird watcher). However, their time spent here last Summer was fleeting, and I was never able to make an ID on what type of bird they were, although I knew they did not belong here... WELL, this Summer (2010) there is a full-scale invasion of Eurasian Collared Doves in Neotsu, OR.

They are now out-numbering many of the native & migratory species that belong in this area. I am quite certain of my ID of the species, both by their appearance and call. Both day & night I hear constantly calling "koo-KOO-koo koo-KOO-koo" and it is driving me nuts. I have NEVER heard this call before this Summer, and now it never stops 24-7. I also have been able to observe them, and they have the characteristic slimmer-build (compared to the rock pigeons & banded pigeons that are normally in this area), long square tail, dove-gray or light brown plumage (which I believe means that there are both adults & juveniles here), black collar band. Due to their calls & markings I am sure they are not Mourning Doves, nor are they any type of pigeon. I seriously hate these birds... they are loud, annoying & taking over!!! Who is the idiot that brought them to North America? I'd like to ring their neck...

Commentary

Can I shoot these birds? I'd be happy to provide you with their carcasses for study & confirmation of the species... They are driving me crazy, and they seem to be reproducing at an alarming rate! If they continue to increase in number like they have in the past year, by next year they will be outnumbering seagulls & crows in Neotsu.

Reporter
June 29, 2010, 4:12 a.m.

Hi Heather, I have contacted ODFW regarding your report, and await their response. As soon as I hear from them, I'll send you another response on the hotline.

Lisa DeBruyckere
July 3, 2010, 1:17 a.m.

Heather, here's ODFW's response:
Unfortunately reports of Eurasian collared doves showing up in all areas of Oregon are getting more common, especially on the east side of the state. Winged invasives are harder, if not impossible, to control than most other non native species. These birds have not been listed as non protected (i.e starlings, house sparrows, rock pigeons). They can be legally taken in conjunction within the mourning dove season that starts Sept. 1.

Lisa DeBruyckere
July 12, 2010, 7:49 a.m.