After a brief visit last spring, our count of Eurasian Collared Doves increased to four yesterday, including what appears (above) to be a juvenile, in just a matter of weeks. In order of appearance, the first pair began breeding and nest building almost immediately, followed by another male, then yesterday’s juvenile.
Pretty birds bigger than a Mourning Dove and slightly smaller than a Rock Pigeon, we’re not sure their presence is a blessing. Time will tell whether the most invasive species in Texas will become as big a nuisance as the Rock Pigeons, who thankfully disappeared last fall as their numbers dwindled through the summer.
The Collared Dove makes what has become an annoying two-syllable cooing sound just before it lands in a tree or on the ground where it feeds, that I can only describe as a distant baby crying, like the 1950s dolls that cried when you tipped them. Wiki notes that the species is ‘not wary’, that has connotations of stupidity for me, but I’d agree they’re fairly tame and unafraid, but observant enough to find our bird feeders immediately. The bird has many unique and interesting characteristics described in the links included here.
drycrikjournal 
So the sound they make is different from a Mourning Dove? It’s like a baby doll….crying?
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Yes, about half-eerie as they sail through the yard. Apparently they also make a three-syllable cooing sound I’ve yet to hear.
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Interesting!
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Just out of curiosity, have you noticed a lot of Robins in your area this year? There seem to be quite a few in Fresno! And in LA. Way more than normal.
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We never have too many Robins around here, maybe one or two pairs. Too dry, I think they prefer urban locations with lots of lawn.
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The good thing is pigeons and doves are a favorite of the peregrine.
Both are are good eating for us also. Butter/wine sauce, yumm
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I’m hoping for a balancing act, one way or another.
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