Eurasian Collared Doves in our area......

[Suncrest Sniper]

Myself and a few neighbors have noticed some rather large doves in the area this year. I would say they range pretty close in size to a pigeon, tan in color like a mourning dove. They have a distinctive growl or purr and are very skittish. I've been trying to snap a shot of the pair but I think there are more than two. My guess so far is that they are the Eurasian Collard doves and I would think seeing they are an evasive species they would be legal to shoot. I'm just trying to confirm if anyone else has seen these pests in or @ the Spokane area. If so can you confirm what they are?

SS

[teal101]

Theyre all over the Columbia Basin.  I've seen them in Tri-Cities, George, Quincy, Ephrata, Moses Lake, Coulee City, Pateros, and Wenatchee as well as everywhere in between.  Quite common now.

They are 100% legal to shoot with no season and no limit.  I believe you need a current small game license though.

[Heredoggydoggy]

They are an invasive species, same class as Starlings, English Sparrows, and Rock Doves (common park pigeons).  May be taken at any time, according to the game regs.  I pop every one I can.

[Maverick]

I like them! They're bigger so more meat and they taste great! I shot a bunch of them.

[turkey slayer]

I have a pair that has been in my oak tree nesting for the last year

[boneaddict]

Everyone is talking about them but I have yet to positively ID them.  I guess there are lots around. 

[Suncrest Sniper]

Yeah getting a picture of them is tough for positive ID but I'm pretty sure it's what they are. So far the only thing I bad i have seen them do is harass the local crows that come through every few days.

SS

[Maverick]

almost the size of a pidgeon. Red eyes. Make a funny noise. Fun to shoot at. There's your I.d.!

[satchel3006]

I'm pretty sure there is a picture of one next to a regular dove in last year bird pamphlet

[teal101]

Everyone is talking about them but I have yet to positively ID them.  I guess there are lots around.

Same size as a pigeon, longer tail feathers, and they tend to be lighter colored than a morning dove.  Once you get a positive ID on one in the wild you'll ID them quite a bit more readily and be able to distinguish them from morning doves with ease.

[andersonjk4]

I have seen quite a few down around the Colfax/Endicott area.  I haven't seen any in or near Spokane yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if they are around south and west of town.   

[WAcoyotehunter]

there are a few up aound Newport.

[bearpaw]

I haven't seen any yet either, we have lots of regular doves and quail around this year...

[Heredoggydoggy]

Their call is a raspy version of the Mourning Dove call.  And when flying, they give a short, raspy hoot to each other.

[BOWHUNTER45]

Thats crazy ..anyone have a picture of those  doves .. we have had some cool lookin doves show up here ... about as big as a pigeon...and no they are not bandtails neither ... killed enough of those in my day ...