Strange Looking Dove Is In The Bag



Jim Cathey, Uvalde-based Extension wildlife specialist, said mourning dove have traditionally ruled the roost over much of Texas, making it the dominant species in most hunters' bags. Another native, the white-winged dove, has become established across parts of the state, and is fast expanding its number and range.

"Hunters once traveled to South Texas to take white-wings," Cathey said. "Now it is fairly common to find these birds traveling back and forth from roosting sites within the city limits to foraging areas just outside many Texas towns. Most Texas hunters now can expect to take a white-wing from time to time, particularly if they hunt from Waco on south. Limits of white-wings can be had in deeper South Texas, which still serves as their stronghold."

But now, Cathey said, there's yet another new dove in town; one that may not be welcome. The Eurasian collared dove, unlike the native mourning and white-winged varieties, is an exotic or introduced species now being seen frequently.

"Originally this bird lived in India and spread to Europe several hundred years ago," Cathey said. "Reports indicated that their numbers held steady until the 1930s and then dramatically increased. Some people noted big jumps in geographical distance from known dove colonies to previously uninhabited areas."

Cathey said the Eurasian collared dove came to the Bahama Islands in the 1970s as a substitute for the Ringed-turtle dove sold in the pet industry. Eurasian collared dove escapees in the 1980s made the short flight from the islands to Florida.

Cathey said the problem with exotic species is that they often compete with native animals for food, water, shelter and space, and may introduce foreign diseases to susceptible native species.

"There is concern within the wildlife community that the Eurasian collared dove is expanding its range at the expense of other dove species," Cathey said. "Its true impact on native dove is poorly understood as this interaction is only in its early stages. Since its discovery in the 1980s, the Eurasian collared dove has expanded its range from Florida to Texas and now there are reports of it in California. This bird has also moved northward to Illinois and Indiana."

Hunters may wonder if it is legal to harvest Eurasian collared doves. As with any game species, it's best to consult the regulations found in Texas Parks and Wildlife's Outdoor Annual for any changes. For now Eurasian collared dove are legal to harvest and there is no closed season or bag limit, Cathey said.

"This rule allows hunters to play a more active role in the conservation of native species," he said. "By removing more Eurasian collared doves, native species may gain a competitive advantage."

How will hunters know if they have taken an Eurasian collared dove

Cathey said Eurasian collared doves lack white marks on their wings, making them easily distinguishable from white-winged dove. He explained that hunters may confuse a Eurasian collared dove and a mourning dove at first glance, but the Eurasian collared dove is much larger in body size.

This difference in size can also be noted for birds in flight, he added.

The Eurasian collared dove's feathers are tan, merging with pale grey and seem to be lighter in color than mourning doves. Its common name, Eurasian collared dove, was given because of its origin and the prominent black band on the back of its neck. This mark is not found on mourning doves.

"If all three species are taken this season, it may be helpful to take photographs comparing the markings of each and discussing them with other hunting companions," Cathey said. "Hunters have the opportunity to aid the conservation of native dove, being well-informed about this invading species will help them accomplish this task."

source: http://waterandwoods.net/news.phpextend.1053



Strange Looking Dove Is In The Bag