Collared Doves in Northern Ireland
When the Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is present in Northern Ireland, when it nests, and which native Northern Ireland plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in Northern Ireland
- Resident all year
- Nesting season
- March–September
- Size
- 32 cm, 200 g
- Nest box
- Does not use enclosed boxes
- Delivery
- Perch Supply ships to the UK
When to expect collared doves in Northern Ireland
The Collared Dove lives in Northern Ireland all year round. Rarely severe; winter thrushes and finches from Scandinavia and Iceland arrive from October.
Mild, wet and windy maritime climate with few temperature extremes.
Nesting in Northern Ireland
In Northern 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 Northern Ireland plants for collared doves
Of the native plants we track for Northern 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 Northern Ireland all year?
Yes — the Collared Dove is resident in Northern Ireland all year.
When do collared doves nest in Northern 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 Northern Ireland?
Teasel, Common knapweed, Silver birch, Alder are native to Northern Ireland and provide food or cover the Collared Dove uses.
Collared Doves in other countries
Other garden birds in Northern Ireland
Sources
- Collared Dove — RSPB bird guide
- Collared Dove — BTO BirdFacts
- Bird Atlas 2007–11 — British Trust for Ornithology
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.