Eurasian Collared-Dove

I had recently been wondering if the Eurasian collared-dove, Streptopelia decaocto, remained in Laramie for the wintertime.  I thought I saw one the other day, but couldn't be certain.  This morning while walking to work I know I spotted three out in the morning sunshine. 

This species is an invasive marvel. Released in the Bahamas in the 70s, they reached Florida in the 80s (it seems to be unclear whether they had help with that move) and from there spread rapidly north and west. They are now fairly common all the way to the Pacific Northwest and have even reached Alaska. Their adaptational skills are remarkable; to have established themselves in so many different parts of the country so quickly takes some nerve! Since their arrival has been fairly recent, scientists have not determined whether they are damaging native bird populations or whether they are filling the gaps left by extinct species like the passenger pigeon.

Wild Birds Unlimited's Chipper Woods Observatory website explains the origin of this species' scientific name:  "Streptopelia decaocto, literally means a collar (streptos) dove (peleia). In Greek mythology, Decaocto was an overworked, underpaid servant girl. The gods heard her prayers for help and changed her into a dove so she could escape her misery. The dove’s call still echoes the mournful cries of her former life."

Just to be accurate, the bird's collar is really only half of one.  The black and white neck markings do not connect over the throat.  But I guess the genus name was long enough without adding 'hemi' or 'semi'.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology states:  "Eurasian Collared-Doves are one of very few species that can drink 'head down,' submerging their bills and sucking water as though drinking through a straw. Most birds must scoop water and tip the head back to let it run down into the throat." I'm not sure how useful this adaptation has been in their territorial expansion, but it's interesting nonetheless.