Introduction
The Philippine Collared Dove (Streptopelia dusumieri) is a medium-sized dove in the family Columbidae. It is native to the Philippines and is now considered a distinct species, having previously been treated as part of the Island Collared Dove complex. Although it remains widespread in parts of the archipelago, it has declined substantially in several areas and is now uncommon in much of its former range.
Physical Description
The Philippine Collared Dove measures approximately 30–33 centimetres in length. Males and females are similar in appearance.
Adults have mainly grey-brown upperparts, a pale grey head and pinkish-grey underparts, with the warmest colour usually visible on the throat, breast and neck. A dark, scaled-looking half-collar marks the hindneck. The bill is black, the eyes are orange-brown to reddish-brown, and the legs and feet are pale red.
The tail provides a useful identification feature. The outermost tail feather has a strongly contrasting white outer edge, while the underside of the tail has a broad dark base. These features help separate the species from the closely related Sunda Collared Dove, which occurs farther west in the Sunda Islands. Juvenile plumage is less well documented, but young birds are generally duller and show a less clearly defined neck collar.
Range and Habitat
The species is native to the Philippines, including the Sulu Archipelago, and is generally resident rather than migratory. Introduced populations also occur in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Unlike many forest-dependent Philippine endemics, the Philippine Collared Dove favours open and semi-open lowland habitats. It may occur in grassland, agricultural land, clearings, mangroves, fishponds, village edges and open woodland with scattered trees or scrub. It has also been recorded in urban areas where introduced populations have become established.
The species was formerly common and widespread in parts of Luzon, including areas around Metro Manila and Candaba Marsh. It has since become local and uncommon in many of these places. Geographic variation is limited because the species is generally treated as monotypic, with no currently recognised subspecies.
Where to See This Species
La Mesa Eco Park, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
La Mesa Eco Park is a publicly accessible urban park with open areas, woodland edges, planted vegetation and small wetland habitats. The Philippine Collared Dove has been recorded there, and birding reports describe sightings of this declining species in the park. Early morning visits are likely to be most productive, particularly around open ground, grassy margins and lightly wooded areas.
Nearby accommodation: Quezon City provides a practical base, with hotels, guest houses, serviced apartments and self-catering accommodation available in the surrounding districts.
Behaviour and Diet
The Philippine Collared Dove is usually seen singly or in pairs, although small groups may gather where food is available. It spends much of its feeding time on the ground, walking through open vegetation and agricultural areas while searching for fallen seeds and other plant material.
Its diet has not been studied comprehensively, but available information indicates that seeds form an important part of its food. It may also take grains and other vegetable matter. The original article’s reference to regular insect feeding is not well supported, so insects should not be regarded as a confirmed major component of the diet.
The call is a brisk, repeated three-note coo that may be delivered from a perch. Calling is particularly useful for locating birds in dense vegetation or at the edges of settlements.
Breeding has been recorded in March and May. The nest is a simple, loosely built platform of twigs, usually placed between about 1 and 7 metres above the ground in a low tree or other suitable vegetation. Nest sites have been reported in clearings, near fishponds and in mangroves. Clutches contain two or three eggs, but reliable information on incubation length, fledging time and maximum lifespan is limited.
Identification Tips
Look for the following combination of features:
- A medium-sized, slender dove measuring about 30–33 centimetres.
- Grey-brown upperparts and a pale grey head.
- Pinkish-grey on the throat, breast and neck.
- A dark, scaled half-collar on the hindneck.
- A black bill and pale red legs.
- A strongly contrasting white outer edge on the outermost tail feather.
- A brisk, three-note cooing call.
The species can be confused with other collared or spotted doves. The Eastern Spotted Dove is usually more obviously spotted on the neck and upperparts, while the Red Collared Dove has a more pronounced reddish-brown head and breast pattern. The Sunda Collared Dove is the closest geographic relative, but the Philippine species generally shows a paler, more contrasting outer tail edge and a different call.
Conservation Status
The Philippine Collared Dove is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The global population has not been quantified, but the population trend is considered decreasing.
The most significant documented concern is competition from the increasingly abundant Eastern Spotted Dove and Red Collared Dove. These species occupy much of the same open-country habitat and may have contributed to the Philippine Collared Dove’s decline, especially on Luzon. Habitat loss and degradation caused by agricultural expansion, urbanisation and the alteration of wetlands may add further pressure, although the species can persist in some modified landscapes.
Important conservation priorities include locating remaining strongholds, monitoring population trends, clarifying the effects of competition and protecting suitable open-country, wetland-edge and lowland habitats. Conservation planning should also distinguish native Philippine populations from introduced populations elsewhere in the western Pacific.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Philippine Collared Dove found?
It is native to the Philippines, including the Sulu Archipelago. Introduced populations also occur in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Is the Philippine Collared Dove migratory?
No. It is generally regarded as a resident species, although local movements may occur in response to food availability and habitat conditions.
What does the Philippine Collared Dove eat?
Seeds and grains are considered important foods, and the species usually forages on the ground. Its diet has not been studied in detail, so other food items should be described cautiously.
How can the Philippine Collared Dove be identified?
Look for a grey-brown dove with a pale grey head, pinkish underparts, a dark half-collar on the hindneck and a conspicuous white outer edge on the outermost tail feather. Its brisk three-note call is also distinctive.
Is the Philippine Collared Dove endangered?
It is not classified as Endangered, but it is listed as Vulnerable because it has declined and is suspected to be undergoing a continuing population reduction.
Where can I see a Philippine Collared Dove near Manila?
La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City is a publicly accessible birding venue where the species has been recorded. Search open ground, grassy margins and woodland edges, preferably early in the morning.
References
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Birds of the World
- Wild Bird Club of the Philippines
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