Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
Georgian name - SAGHKELOIANI GVRITI
New species (Abuladze, Butjev, Lebedeva, 1999). First documented record was in March 1978 when several birds were seen in the park of Gagra (NW part of Georgia, Abkhazia). According to personal communications of local people (not verified) this bird started breeding here in 1980. Simultaneously the Collared Doves began to appear in Ajaria (SW part of Georgia). In September 1979, single birds were recorded in Batumi. In 1982 first breeding of the species in Batumi was proved and in 1984 it became common on breeding in settlements along sea coast. Evidently, the birds spread in 2 directions - both from the North (from Russia) and from the South (from Turkey). Furthert eastwards expansion, as it was predicted, passed rather quickly. Movements from Black sea coast to Eastern Georgia took a short time period. In Tbilisi first single birds were found in May 1980. Since March 1981, records became regular. In 982, first pairs were observed but nests were not discovered. Breeding was proved in 1983. By spring 1989, species occupied almost all the settlements on lowlands in Eastern Georgias.

BCUG Web-ste: BIRD OF THE YEAR
BCUG Web-site: CONTENTS
BCUG Web-site: MAIN PAGE
BCUG E-mail address