Collared Doves in Ireland
When the Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is present in Ireland, when it nests, and which native Ireland plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in Ireland
- Resident all year
- Nesting season
- March–September
- Size
- 32 cm, 200 g
- Nest box
- Does not use enclosed boxes
When to expect collared doves in Ireland
The Collared Dove lives in Ireland all year round. Mild winters with little snow; Redwings and Fieldfares feed in hedges and fields.
Oceanic climate — mild, humid and consistently wet, especially in the west.
Nesting in Ireland
In Ireland the Collared Dove usually nests March–September. Nest site: thin twig platform. Clutches are 2 eggs, incubated for 14–18 days; chicks fledge after 15–19 days, and pairs raise Up to 6 per year.
- The Collared Dove does not use enclosed nest boxes — dense native shrubs and climbers give it nest sites.
- Avoid cutting hedges during the nesting season (roughly March to August) — in the UK, disturbing an active nest is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Native Ireland plants for collared doves
Of the native plants we track for Ireland, these 4 provide food the Collared Dove uses:
Goldfinches extract the seeds from standing heads in autumn and winter.
Seed heads for Goldfinches and a nectar source for insects.
Catkin seed for Siskins and Redpolls; many caterpillars for tit broods.
Cones hold seed that Siskins and Goldfinches feed on all winter.
Feeding in the garden
Seeds and grain.
- Best foods: Seed mix.
- Feeders: Ground tray, Open table.
- Colonised Britain only in 1955 and now nests in most towns.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Are collared doves in Ireland all year?
Yes — the Collared Dove is resident in Ireland all year.
When do collared doves nest in Ireland?
Typically March–September. Clutches are 2 eggs, incubated for 14–18 days, with Up to 6 per year.
Which native plants help collared doves in Ireland?
Teasel, Common knapweed, Silver birch, Alder are native to Ireland and provide food or cover the Collared Dove uses.
Collared Doves in other countries
Other garden birds in Ireland
Sources
- Collared Dove — RSPB bird guide
- Collared Dove — BTO BirdFacts
- Bird Atlas 2007–11 — BirdWatch Ireland / BTO
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.