A day late with this post!
The subtly scalloped edges of the collared dove's wing and tail feathers are rather beautiful. These birds are much more delicate than the wood pigeon and are markedly smaller in size, especially when seen side-by-side. I also find it endearing that we rarely see an individual collared dove, rather we see them visiting the garden in pairs. These two even seem to have figured out that it is easier to balance (using the 'Principle of Moments', if I have my physics teacher hat on) and take seed from the hanging feeders when one sits each side.
Although not native to the UK, originating from Turkey, these birds have become naturalised and widespread here, and their monotonous song of 'united, united' can be heard everywhere, including, mistakenly, in the opening credits of many period dramas. Breeding for the first time in Britain in Norfolk in 1955, the collared dove spread naturally and was not introduced by humans.
References:
https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/birds/facts-about-collared-dove/ (accessed 14/04/2020)
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