Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
Merlin (Falco columbarius)
A small, long-winged and pale buff-grey pigeon, with characteristic black half-collar stretching from the hind-neck to the sides. Most likely to be confused with Turtle Dove, but upperparts of tail lacks strong contrasts, undersides of wings are whitish and lower belly buff (not white). Juveniles lacks the black neck-collar.
Sound:Song a characteristic, rhythmic cooing, consisting of three syllables with emphasis on the second. The third lower pitched than the rest. Can be rendered as "su-do-ku" (or "deca-oc-to", latin name derived from song). Excitement-call a nasal "wrrraa".
Song:
Distribution:
Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)
Ecology:Birdlife ecology
Links:
Observation.org Latest observations
Image search Flickr NB! May give other species
CCSmallest falcon. Male with slate grey upperparts, and pinkish buff, speckled underparts . Female dark brown above and heavily speckled below. Due to the extensive markings, the underparts give a darker impression than in Kestrel. Tail of female with dark broad bands, tail of male with broad black terminal band. Diffuse facial markings. Short wings. Silhouette similar to Peregrine, but the much faster wing beats are diagnostic. Acrobatic flight with sharp twist and turns when chasing prey. Alternating glides and bursts of wing-beats gives undulating flight.
Sound:Series of harsh "kwik-wik wik". Coarseness similar to Peregrine, but pace much quicker. Female call harsher than male. Lacking the clearer tones and attack of Kestrel.
Alarm call:
Distribution:
Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)
Ecology:Birdlife ecology
Links:
Observation.org Latest observations
Image search Flickr NB! May give other species
CC