“Turn around. Now. I want to look at that dove.”
This Streptopelia pigeon was the source of a few moments’ excitement this morning in Somerset County. Eurasian Collared-Dove is still a rarity in New Jersey, and I don’t think it has been recorded yet so far north and inland.
Unfortunately, this bird’s small size, pinkish tinge, and plain wing, without the contrasting dark primaries of Eurasian, identified it quickly and handily as an African Collared-Dove, the beloved prop of stage magicians and the often ill-caged pet of careless door shutters.
Ah well. It won’t be long before the “right” collared-dove gets here too.
