collared dove

noun

variants or collared-dove

1

: a large, slender, pale gray Eurasian dove (Streptopelia decaocto) introduced into North America and having a square tail and a black band on the nape of the neck

The season will remain open through Jan. 15 with a daily bag limit of 15 for native mourning doves. There is no limit for collared doves, which are considered an invasive species.

—Bryan Brasher, Commercial Appeal (Memphis, Tennessee), 22 Dec. 2013

Another identification tip is to look at the bird's wings: The collared-dove's primaries, seen both in flight and at rest, are dark brown, while the ringed turtle dove's are tan.

—Howard Youth, Bird Watcher's Digest, November/December 1998

called also Eurasian collared dove

2

: any of various turtledoves (genus Streptopelia)

especially : ringed turtle dove

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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