Collared Dove

🔍 Overview

A soft-toy-sized dove commonly seen in Sussex gardens and villages. Notable for its gentle cooing and distinctive black neck collar.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Medium (32 cm)

Plumage: Pale grey-beige

Distinctive Marks: Black half-collar on nape, white-edged tail

Bill: Small and black

Tail: Long and square-tipped

Flight: Steady and direct

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Widespread across Sussex in gardens, farmland, parks, and even town centres—resident year-round.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

A soft, repetitive “coo‑COO‑coo‑coo” call. Often in pairs or small groups; feeds on seeds on lawns.

🍴 Diet

Seeds, grains, and occasionally snails.

📸 Birding Tip

Look for their perching on rooftops or telephone lines near gardens and barns.