Hi there
I would love to know how to tell the difference between a male and female Collared Dove
Is there a distinctive difference with their plumage, or are there other more subtle ways of telling them apart from one another.
Funnily the two I have are a slight differnet coloration form each other {or is it my eyes deceiving me}
One of the pair has a lot of white feathers appearing in its tail. The Doves tail must be getting a battering at the moment. So it makes me think that the bird could be the female for that reason alone.
Any other theories anyone?
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Nicki C said: I would love to know how to tell the difference between a male and female Collared Dove
Hi Kathy, I have started a thread on ageing and sexing common garden birds.
I have included a link for Collared Doves.( I'm sure you have commented on the page? )
Here is the link, it will give you an idea on how to try and seperate them!
http://www.ibercajalav.net/img/262_CollaredDoveSdecaocto.pdf
Sparrow has given a good account on the differences!
Male with grey pinkish crown and nape; white tips (if any) on black feathers in collar.
Female with grey brown crown and nape; drab grey tips (if any) on black feathers in collar.
Juveniles cannot be sexed.
CAUTION: many birds cannot be sexed using plumage characters due to subjective judgement of colours.
Regards Buzzard
Sorry, thought it may help.
Brenda - it did help, if only to confirm I can't tell the difference!!!
Paul - what a splendid photo - are they about to mate?
I watched my pair mating back in February. They were in the apple tree next door, but it was before my new camera, and anyway I wasn't sure I should be intruding!!!
Thank you everyone for keeping me straight.
Brenda thank you for pointing out Buzzards thread and Buzzard for helping me too! {big smile}
Will have a good read through the Collared Dove information
Unknown said: Sorry, thought it may help.
Hi Paul
Beautiful picture of the Doves.
Quite a romantic study of the two birds.
Susan H said: Paul - what a splendid photo - are they about to mate?
Thank you Sparrow and Kathy :o)
Actually the one was about to land really close to the other one on top of the feeding hook pole. Like most Collared Doves I expect, they tend to sit really close together.
Hi,
according to Gibbs, Barnes & Cox males have deeper lilac on the breast.
S