Collared Dove - Streptopelia decaocto

Distinctive with its buff-pink plumage and black neck collar, it is usually seen singly or in pairs, although flocks may form where food is plentiful. The eye colour is deep red.

Collared Doves are found largely around man, on farms, in gardens and parks, and most of the countryside except the highest regions.

All year round

It feeds on the ground but readily perches on roofs and wires. After rapidly spreading across Europe in the early half of the 20th century, the Collared Dove is now one of our most common birds and its monotonous cooing is a familiar sound. The first UK breeding record was in Norfolk in 1955.

Common and widespread in Britain

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland as a breeding bird.