The Philippine collared dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the island collared dove.
Region
Maritime Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Within the Philippines it inhabits open lowland habitats including coastal scrub, coconut plantations, agricultural mosaics, and village edges. It favors lightly wooded areas and forest margins and generally avoids dense primary forest. The species often frequents roadsides, weedy lots, and field edges where fallen seed is abundant. Nests are placed in palms, mangroves, and fruit trees, sometimes very close to human habitation. It may persist on smaller offshore islets where disturbance is relatively low.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Philippine collared dove was long treated as a subspecies of the Island Collared Dove before being recognized as a distinct species. It is a quiet, unobtrusive dove that often goes overlooked in settled areas. Habitat loss and trapping are suspected drivers of its decline, and it can be confused with other collared or spotted doves at a distance. Look for the neat black nape collar with pale edging and prominent white corners in the tail.
An illustration from 1838 by Jean Gabriel Prêtre
Temperament
quiet and wary
Flight Pattern
strong and direct with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small loose groups. The species is monogamous; males perform display flights and bowing with cooing. Nests are flimsy twig platforms placed a few meters above ground, typically in palms or small trees, with two eggs per clutch. Breeding can occur through much of the year in favorable conditions.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, repeated three-note cooing, often rendered as a rhythmic coo-COO-coo, delivered from a perch. Calls are subdued and can be hard to detect amid ambient village or coastal noise.
