The white winged dove and the Eurasian collared-dove are two species of doves that belong to the same family Columbidae. However, they differ in many aspects including distribution, size, coloring, calls, diet, and behavior.
In the opening paragraphs, it’s quickly apparent that the white winged dove is native to the Americas whereas the Eurasian collared-dove is native to Europe and Asia. The white winged dove is larger in size compared to the Eurasian collared-dove. Their plumage also differs with the white winged dove having bold white stripes on its wings and the Eurasian collared-dove having a distinctive black collar on the nape of its neck. Their vocalizations are unique to each species. While their diets overlap on seeds and grains, the Eurasian collared-dove has adapted to more human habitats compared to the white winged dove which is more natural.
Geographic Distribution
The white winged dove is native to North, Central and South America with its range extending from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America to South America. It is resident year-round in the warmer climates of its range but migrates seasonally within North America and the Caribbean islands.
In contrast, the Eurasian collared-dove is native to Europe and Asia. Its original range spanned from Europe to China and India. However, in the last century, it has rapidly expanded its range and has been introduced to new areas including North America and the Caribbean. Unlike the migratory habits of the white winged dove, the Eurasian collared-dove is a year-round resident within its range.
So in summary:
White Winged Dove
Native to the Americas, ranging from the SW United States to South America. Migrates seasonally within its range.
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Native to Europe and Asia. Rapidly expanded range to North America and Caribbean in past century. Year-round resident within its range.
Physical Description
The white winged dove is a medium-large sized dove, slightly bigger than the Eurasian collared-dove. Here is a comparison of their physical features:
| Feature | White Winged Dove | Eurasian Collared-Dove |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 25-28 cm (10-11 in) | 21-23 cm (8.3-9.1 in) |
| Wingspan | 47-53 cm (18.5–21 in) | 37-42 cm (14.6–16.5 in) |
| Weight | 86–167 g (3.0–5.9 oz) | 55-175 g (1.9-6.2 oz) |
In terms of plumage, the white winged dove has brown upperparts with bold white stripes along the wings. The underparts are grayish with a pinkish tinge on the belly and undertail. The eyes are dark with bluish skin around them.
The Eurasian collared-dove has pale gray to pinkish upperparts. The nape of neck has a distinctive black collar bordered with white. The tail is grayish with a white tip. The underparts are pale grayish-white to vinous-pink. The eyes are dark reddish.
Calls and Vocalizations
The calls of the white winged dove and Eurasian collared-dove are distinct sounds.
The white winged dove has a mournful cooing sound that is repeated multiple times. It sounds like “who-OO, who-OO, who”. Sometimes the call will be four or five notes instead of three.
Here is an audio clip of the white winged dove’s call:
The Eurasian collared-dove makes a rhythmic and repetitive three-note call. It is sounded like “ku-KOO-kook” or “ku-KOO-ku”. The final note is louder and higher pitched than the first two notes.
Here is an audio clip of the Eurasian collared-dove’s call:
So in summary, the white winged dove makes a mournful, multi-noted cooing while the Eurasian collared-dove makes a repetitive three-note rhythm with a distinct final emphasis. Their calls are unique identifiers for these dove species.
Behavior
The white winged dove and Eurasian collared-dove exhibit some differences in their behavior.
The white winged dove is known for its fast and direct flight. It has a much stronger tendency to fly in flocks than the Eurasian collared dove. Large flocks will congregate at roosting and feeding sites.
The Eurasian collared-dove is mostly seen singly, in pairs, or in small groups. It has a more leisurely flight pattern with slower wing beats compared to the white winged dove.
In terms of food habits, both species feed primarily on seeds, grains, and fruit. However, the Eurasian collared-dove has adapted well to urban and suburban environments. It is very frequent in parks, gardens, and agricultural areas (especially grain fields) near human habitation.
The white winged dove remains more closely tied to natural and wilderness habitats including forests, scrublands, and deserts. It will forage in rural fields but does not associate as strongly with suburban human settlements.
Regarding breeding behavior, the male white winged dove will engage in a mating ritual where it makes repeated vertical aerial displays to attract the female. In contrast, the Eurasian collared-dove does not have any elaborate courtship or mating ritual flights.
So in summary:
White Winged Dove
– Fast, direct flight
– Tend to fly in large flocks
– Found more in natural wilderness habitats
– Male has elaborate aerial mating displays
Eurasian Collared-Dove
– Leisurely, slower flight
– Mostly alone, pairs or small groups
– Adapted well to urban/suburban areas
– No elaborate mating rituals
Natural History
There are some key differences in the natural histories of these two species:
Habitats
White winged dove: arid forests, scrublands, deserts, rural fields
Eurasian collared-dove: wide variety but prefers open country near human habitation
Nest Sites
White winged dove: flimsy stick platform nests in trees
Eurasian collared-dove: nests in trees, shrubs, ledges; flimsy or substantial stick nests
Clutch Size
White winged dove: 2 eggs per clutch
Eurasian collared-dove: 2 eggs per clutch (sometimes 1-4)
Incubation Period
White winged dove: 14 days
Eurasian collared-dove: 14-18 days
Fledging Period
White winged dove: 13-15 days
Eurasian collared-dove: 15-19 days
So even though they are both doves, the white winged dove and Eurasian collared-dove utilize different habitats and have some subtle variations in their breeding biology like nest sites, incubation periods, and time to fledging. But they are overall quite similar as members of the Columbidae family of doves and pigeons.
Threats and Conservation
Neither the white winged dove nor the Eurasian collared-dove are globally threatened species. Both are listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List. However, they face some localized threats:
White Winged Dove
– Habitat loss in some areas
– Hunting in parts of range
– Collisions with vehicles and infrastructure
Eurasian Collared-Dove
– Habitat degradation from urbanization
– Pesticide ingestion from foraging on treated seeds
– Hunting and poaching in parts of native and introduced range
The white winged dove’s large flocking behavior makes it susceptible to mass casualties from vehicle and infrastructure strikes during migration. Climate change may also disrupt its seasonal movements and breeding success.
More research is needed on potential impacts of the Eurasian collared-dove as an introduced species displacing native doves in parts of North America and the Caribbean islands. But neither species warrants focused conservation efforts currently.
Summary of Differences
In summary, here are some of the key differences highlighted between these two species:
| Feature | White Winged Dove | Eurasian Collared-Dove |
|---|---|---|
| Native Range | Americas | Europe, Asia |
| Size | Medium-large | Medium |
| Plumage | Bold white wing stripes | Black collar on nape |
| Call | Mournful, multi-noted coos | Repetitive three-note rhythm |
| Flight Behavior | Fast and direct, flocks | Leisurely, alone or small groups |
| Habitat | Natural wilderness | Near human habitation |
| Mating Display | Elaborate aerial displays | None |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the white winged dove and Eurasian collared-dove exhibit several distinguishing features even though they belong to the same dove and pigeon family. The key differences highlighted in distribution, physical appearance, vocalizations, behavior, natural history, and conservation threats provide identification tools to readily tell these two species apart. Paying attention to the white wing markings versus the distinctive collar, listening for mournful coos versus rhythmic notes, and noting the habitat will quickly pinpoint if you are observing a native white winged dove or introduced Eurasian collared-dove. Their shared membership in the Columbidae family accounts for their general similarities, but the differences outlined here illustrate the diversity within this widespread and successful avian group. Appreciating both the similarities and unique aspects of these species gives greater insight to the natural world.
