The Eurasian collared dove is a medium-sized bird with a pinkish grey plumage.
It gets its name from the black collar found on the back of its neck. It is more than 30 cm in length and its wing span can extend up to 55 cm in width.
These birds choose to live in open woodlands, cultivated lands, villages and urban areas alike. They generally keep away from dense forests. They nest near human settlements, where food is easy to get and trees are available. They are found perching on wires and feeding on the ground. Seeds constitute their major diet.
During flight, just before landing, they produce a harsh loud screeching sound which lasts for a few seconds. They tend to stay where they live and are not migratory.
These birds are very common in India. Outside India, they are also found in Europe and other parts of Asia. They were introduced in North America in the 1980s.