Eurasian Invasion

The image at right is of a Eurasian Collared-Dove and was taken at a small park in Titusville, Florida. This Dove is not a native of North America but was introduced from Europe. Like its human predecessors it is now rapidly colonizing North America. It originally took hold in South Florida. It is now seen up into Tennesse and as far west as Texas with its range continuing to increase. It is slightly larger than the native Mourning Dove and somewhat lighter in color. Some people theorize that it is using the rail system to expand its range as small colonies seem to turn up near railroad tracks. It would seem a bit odd that a bird would prefer rail travel over air travel. I much prefer the Eurasian Collared-Dove over other introduced species such as the obnoxious English Sparrow and European Starling.