The Great Eurasian Collared Dove Caper: How a Bahamas Vacation Turned into an Illinois Invasion
Ever wondered how a bird with a name longer than your grocery list ended up chilling in your backyard? Buckle up, because the story of the Eurasian Collared Dove in Illinois is wilder than a flock of pigeons fighting over a discarded french fry.
From Pet Shop Parrots to Island Escapees
These doves, with their fancy black necklaces and aloof stares, weren't always strutting around Illinois. Their origin story starts in the Bahamas, of all places. Believe it or not, in the mid-1970s, a pet shop burglary went hilariously wrong. Imagine this: a band of bumbling crooks break in, looking for exotic parrots, but instead accidentally set free a bunch of Eurasian Collared Doves. Not exactly the avian loot they were after!
The Bahamas Breakaway: A One-Way Ticket to Florida
Now, these doves weren't exactly dimwits. They saw their chance at freedom and took it! They fluttered around the Bahamas, enjoying the sunshine and probably judging the tourists. But eventually, island life wasn't enough. They set their sights on greener pastures (or should we say, tastier bird feeders) and took a one-way beak-it to Florida.
From Sunshine State to Prairie State: The Great Dove Migration
Florida was just the first stop. These feathered Houdinis weren't done yet. They multiplied like...well, like doves, and started spreading north. Illinois, with its abundance of bird feeders and manicured lawns, became their new vacation home (that never ended). By the 1980s, they were practically everywhere, much to the surprise of unsuspecting Illinois residents.
So, Eurasian Collared Doves in Illinois: A Love Story or an Avian Invasion?
It depends on who you ask. Some folks find their coos charming, others see them as bullies hogging all the birdseed. But hey, you gotta give them credit for their adventurous spirit and impressive migration skills (even if it was accidental).
How To FAQs:
How to Identify a Eurasian Collared Dove?
These doves are bigger than mourning doves and have a black band around their necks, hence the name. Think of them as the goth teenagers of the dove world.
How to Attract Eurasian Collared Doves (if you really want to)
Black oil sunflower seeds are their kryptonite. Just be prepared to share your feeder with their whole crew.
How to Get Rid of Eurasian Collared Doves (if they've overstayed their welcome)
There's not much you can do besides take down your feeders for a while. They'll eventually move on to greener...seedier pastures.
How to Live with Eurasian Collared Doves?
Coexistence is key. Enjoy their interesting coos (or try to ignore them), and appreciate their impressive journey from island paradise to Midwestern suburb.
How to Learn More About Eurasian Collared Doves?
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is your best friend! Check out their website for all things dove-related.
