Red Collared-Dove

The Red Collared-Dove is a compact dove found across South and Southeast Asia, from India to southern China and into Indonesia. It shows one of the more marked sexual differences among Streptopelia doves: males display a deep reddish-vinous or maroon body with a gray head and a narrow black half-collar, while females are considerably duller, mostly grayish-brown with only a hint of the male's warm tones. It favors open country with scattered trees.

• Male body feathers: deep wine-red to maroon across the back, breast, and wing coverts, among the richest tones of any regional dove
• Female body feathers: much duller grayish-brown, lacking the reddish wash, which can cause confusion with other small doves
• Hindneck collar feathers: narrow black band present in both sexes, though more contrastingly set off against the male's red plumage
• Tail feathers: dark with pale gray tips, shorter and more compact than in larger Streptopelia species
• Compare with the Red-billed Pigeon, which is much larger and lacks the collar, and with female Red Collared-Doves, easily mistaken for other plain brown doves absent the male present for comparison

This species shows strong sexual dimorphism in plumage color, unusual among collared doves. Juveniles resemble females but are duller still, with buff feather fringing that wears away with the first molt. Males acquire full reddish coloring only after reaching maturity.

Red Collared-Doves range across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and southern China, favoring open woodland, farmland, and scrub with scattered trees. Populations at higher latitudes may show some seasonal movement, but most are considered largely resident.

This dove forages on the ground for seeds and grain and is often seen perched in the open on wires or bare branches. Its call is a soft, repeated cooing typical of the genus. Nests are simple stick platforms built in trees. Because males and females look so different, birders often rely on behavior and location to confirm identification when only a female is seen.