The Eurasian Collared-Dove in the Upper Fraser Valley
By Gord Gadsden

Eurasian Collared-Doves are non-native to North America but are apparently establishing themselves fairly quickly in many regions. Originally found in eastern Europe to Japan, they spread westwards into Great Britain by the early 1950's. In the 1970's, they were introduced to the Bahamas and by early 1980, were found in Florida. They have started to spread throughout North America and were first detected in the Upper Fraser Valley in east Chilliwack in the fall of 2005 with a single bird visiting a feeder. By 2009, over a dozen unique locations in the area have anywhere of one to over thirty birds present. Breeding was also detected in 2009 although it no doubt had occurred already previously. It is not known what their impact on the ecosystem might be. The closest native species that immediately comes to mind to possibly be impacted is the Mourning Dove. The map below shows a five year spread of data collected by local birders. As we are still very early into 2010, not much data has been collected for this year. However, a new location in Matsqui Prairie has been already detected. It has been interesting to note that several locations have remained reliable to see this species over the years and some have even increased their numbers. Given the data collected and distance between 'sites', it is highly unlikely but not impossible that birds are being double counted. Many of the sightings in east Chilliwack occurred over a short time period in one day further reducing the probability of the same birds or group of birds being recorded as separate encounters.