My fascination with the Eurasian Collared-Dove range expansion continues. Perhaps it is because the Eurasian Collared-Dove invasion of North America has been so dramatic and has happened right before our very eyes. If you're 15 years old or older and paying attention, you've likely witnessed it for yourself. Check out the animated eBird sightings map below in five year intervals. Pretty amazing!
Now some of the dramatic effect of these animated maps is due in part to the increased use of eBird during this same time period, but the EUCD expansion is probably still close enough for citizen science purposes. Too bad we didn't have eBird back in the 1800's to have followed the range expansion of European Starlings and House Sparrows. Did their expansion happen as quickly?
Anecdotal evidence is mounting that the EUCD's are displacing native species...perhaps not when it comes to feeding or nesting, but certainly in people's yards where EUCD's have taken over and are thus less inviting to the former regulars. Any young ornithologists out there researching this?!
It is startling!
ReplyDeleteI must admit, despite the problems that can come with this expansion, I do like that they provide something other than Mourning or White-winged Doves in the southwest.
Donde yo vivo se estan convirtiendo en una plaga,las hay por todos los sitios.Saludos
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize they were so common! I just saw my first one a few months ago!
ReplyDeleteI still have yet to see an ECD without buildings in the field of view, and Georgia has had them for over 15 years. Has anyone else noticed this?
ReplyDeleteThose animated eBird maps are fabulous. Wow, speedy expansion! I have yet to see one of these beautiful birds but hope to soon.
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