Collared dove

Streptopelia decaocto

Description:

In 1974, fewer than 50 Eurasian Collared Doves escaped captivity in Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas.[10] From the Bahamas, the species spread to Florida, and is now found in nearly every state in the US, as well as in Mexico.[11][12] In Arkansas (United States), the species was recorded first in 1989 and since then has grown in numbers and is now present in 42 of 75 counties in the state. It spread from the southeast corner of the state in 1997 to the northwest corner in 5 years, covering a distance of about 500 km (310 mi) at a rate of 100 km (62 mi) per year.[13] This is more than double the rate of 45 km (28 mi) per year observed in Europe.[14] Interestingly, as of 2012, few negative impacts have been demonstrated in Florida, where the species is most prolific.[15][16] However, the species is known as an aggressive competitor, and there is concern that as populations continue to grow, native birds will be outcompeted by the invaders.[15] However, one study found that Eurasian collared doves are not more aggressive or competitive than native mourning doves, despite similar dietary preferences.[17] Population growth has ceased in areas where they’ve been established the longest, such as Florida, and in these regions recent observations suggest the population is in decline.[18] The population is still growing exponentially in areas of more recent introduction.[19] Carrying capacities appear to be highest in areas with higher temperatures and intermediate levels of development, such as suburban areas and some agricultural areas.[19] While the spread of disease to native species has not been recorded in a study, Eurasian Collared Doves are known carriers of the parasite Trichomonas gallinae as well as Pigeon Paramyxovirus.[11][15] Both Trichomonas gallinae and Pigeon Paramyxovirus can spread to native birds via commingling at feeders and by consumption of doves by predators. Pigeon Paramyxovirus is an emergent disease and has the potential to affect domestic poultry, making the Eurasian Collared Dove a threat to not only native biodiversity, but a possible economic threat as well.-Wikipedia.