Eurasian collared-dove (Streptopelia decaocto) nesting phenology, reproductive success, and nest site characteristics in southern Oklahoma

Abstract

Eurasian Collared-Doves (Streptopelia decaocto) have expanded their range across the U.S. since the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Breeding data are sparse for this species in the U.S. We collected data on nesting phenology, nest site characteristics, nest materials, and nest success of Eurasian Collared-Doves in southern Oklahoma. Eurasian Collared-Doves began nesting in January and continued through July. They nested in conifers from January through April; and in deciduous trees from May through July following leaf out; and in barns throughout the field seasons. In 2014, we monitored 23 nests with a mean clutch size of 1.6 eggs, a mean of 0.7 hatched young, and a mean of 0.6 fledged per nest. In 2015, we monitored 15 nests with a mean clutch size of 1.9 eggs, a mean of 1.5 hatched young, and a mean of 1.3 fledged per nest. In both years combined, we monitored 38 nests with a mean clutch size of 1.7 eggs, a mean of 1.0 hatched young, and a mean of 0.8 fledged per nest. Eurasian Collared-Doves had a combined mean incubation period of 14.5 d (range = 11-18 d). Young fledged at a combined annual mean of 17 d (range = 15-19 d). In Bryan County, 39.5% of Eurasian Collared-Dove nests fledged ≥1 young during the 2014-2015 nesting season. Nests were lost due to inclement weather and depredation. Predators were domestic cats (Felis catus) and possibly Great-tailed Grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus) and Common Grackles (Quiscalus quiscala). Nests in southern Oklahoma had 25.5% lower nest success rates than Eurasian Collared-Dove nests in Arkansas. Nests were mainly constructed from twigs (34.6%), debris (bits of grass, feces, small egg shell pieces, and insects; 29.9%), and dry grass (19.9%).