Breeding of collared doves streptopelia decaocto in rural oxfordshire, england

Abstract

Breeding of Collared Doves was studied for 3 years in rural Oxfordshire. They laid eggs from February to October, mostly between April and mid-August. In rural Britain, breeding starts and finishes about one month later than at similar latitudes in eastern Europe although the populations have been separated for less than 50 years. The reasons for this are not clear. Collared Doves laid on average 3.8 clutches per year. Of completed clutches 89% were of 2 eggs, the rest of 1. Most pairs began a new clutch while still feeding fledged young, a few while the previous brood were still in the nest. Mean hatching success was 59%, fledging success 69%, and overall breeding success 41%. Success varied with season, peak production coming from eggs laid in May to July. Losses of eggs and chicks were mainly from predation, especially early in the season. Mean annual productivity was 3.1 young per pair. By feeding on super-abundant, predictable and persistent supplies of commercial crops, Collared Doves have the potential for high productivity. Predation by humans has increased substantially in recent years and this has probably brought Collared Dove populations in Britain to near stability after logarithmic population growth following colonization about 30 years ago. © Taylor& Francis Group, LLC.