Distribution of Streptopelia decaocto (Eurasian collared dove) in Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Streptopelia decaocto (Eurasian collared dove) expends so rapidly, competes with other birds species efficiently, feeds heavily on variety of crops, and carries circovirus, thus its existence sometimes results in negative impacts on balanced ecosystem. In this context, present study was proposed to explore Sindh province (140,914 km²) to record morphology and existence of S. decaocto with emphasis on its preferred habitats, localization of nests and observation of fledglings. Field surveys were carried out randomly from January to December 2018 in 16 study areas within Sindh where habitats of four different types: cropland, scrubland, suburban and urban was explored. Distribution of Eurasian collared dove was observed in all 14 study areas at extensive level. The habitats from where S. decaocto was found recurrently and profusely was cropland, however availability of species was observed very rare in urban and suburban habitats.