These Eurasian Collared-doves were photographed engaged in a mating ritual. The male was first observed alone on a lamp post. He was cooing loudly.

Soon he had convinced a female to join him, and she flew over from a nearby power line. But, she was coy, always staying one step ahead of the male’s advances. Clearly, she was not convinced by the eager male’s efforts.



The male redoubled his displays. He stretched his neck and bobbed his head. I was impressed, but the female bird was not. She quickly removed herself to the far end of the lamppost.



The male followed after, but to no avail. The female dove fled again, leaving the male looking visibly disappointed.



Observation Details
County | – | Collin |
|
City | – | Plano | |
Date | – | Jul 14, 2012 | |
Time of Day | – | Morning | |
Temperature | – | Warm (70-89°F/21-32°C) | |
Weather | – | Clear | |
Habitat | – | Community-Church/School/Civic | |
Type of Behavior | – | Mating | |
Gender | – | Mixed | |
Maturity | – | Adult | |
Observer | – | Chris Jackson |