This week, we're going to look at the collared dove.

It's a somewhat plain bird, grey all over save for a black collar that goes most of the way around its neck. Although collared doves are very numerous throughout the United Kingdom they are also recent arrivals, coming over from Eurasia last century.

They can be seen all year round, and are frequently visible in urban areas. Where I live, they are common around the village, but give way to wood pigeons in the more rural areas.

They are also common garden visits, but due to their size (similar to a feral pigeon) won't be able or willing to clamber onto a bird feeder. A bird table may be a better option, though they also happily devour food dropped from the birds that do use feeders.

(Click images for a larger version)