Sparrowhawk and Collared Dove

[Biomotors]

Only three days ago I posted pictures of our lovely, if minimal, collared dove nest here at Naturecounters HQ with two nice shiny eggs. Today things took a dramatic, but very sad turn with the appearance of this Sparrowhawk.



I wonder if the decline of other doves whilst the common pidgeon booms is just because they are easier prey? A little while ago we found one nearly dead in the garden here with it's skull cracked open from behind. I know one shouldn't anthropomorphise too much, but collared doves seem such shy, gentle creatures, it seems terribly sad.

Dominic

[Jonners]

I haven't noticed much of a decline in the collared dove population, in fact they seem to be maintaining a very healthy level of abundance. However, I have noticed an increase in the number of sparrowhawks, who certainly seem more than happy to take advantage of the collared dove. It is amazing to consider that the collared dove was first seen in britain in 1952, and first bred three years later. In the last 50 or so years it has certainly done very well as a breeding species, although sadly for you, your individual will not be adding to the population. It is a great pity for your nest, but a wonderful photo of a magnificent predator doing what it does very well.

[Jason Green]

I've lost count of the number of posts on here with sparrowhawks going for CDs. I can only imagine they stick out more due to the pale colour and gentleness? I hope the now single partner gets on OK with the nest and goes on to raise a healthy brood... so sad as you say

[Biomotors]

I guess I should have checked my facts on the collared dove. I was thinking more of the turtle dove decline (which I think is happening!). Anyone know the reason behind that? Is it the usual "habitat loss", predation, or maybe just a question of whether different birds can adapt to eating rape leaves, which I understand the common pidgeon is extremely good at?

Thanks
Dominic

[James M]

Originally Posted by Biomotors

I guess I should have checked my facts on the collared dove. I was thinking more of the turtle dove decline (which I think is happening!). Anyone know the reason behind that? Is it the usual "habitat loss", predation, or maybe just a question of whether different birds can adapt to eating rape leaves, which I understand the common pidgeon is extremely good at?

Thanks
Dominic

I think the decline of Turtle Doves is mainly because of habitat loss and human hunting while they are on migration in countries such as Malta. I could be wrong though

[Adam Cheeseman]

Originally Posted by James M

I think the decline of Turtle Doves is mainly because of habitat loss and human hunting while they are on migration in countries such as Malta. I could be wrong though

That is part of it, particularly the hunting of them whilst migrating over places such as Malta etc in the Med. There are a whole range of dangers that all migratory species have to endure en route from their wintering quarters, natural and man-made. It can also depend on where they winter as well. Some species manage to cope reasonably well with it, others don't. In Britain, habitat loss and farming change has had significant effects. Around my way they seem to be more of a woodland bird than a farmland one now.

Cheers,

Adam

[Jenny W]

Originally Posted by Biomotors

I wonder if the decline of other doves whilst the common pidgeon booms is just because they are easier prey?

Sparrowhawks are a native species and have nothing at all to do with the decline of any of their prey species. In ecology it's the population of the prey species that controls the population of the predator, rather than the other way round.

[Biomotors]

Yes, I suppose so, but I was thinking that if raptors are on the increase due to less farmers killing "anything with a hooked beak" and due to the greater abundance of pigeon prey, then maybe that might tip the balance against the collared dove... but I guess you're right that these things balance themselves out.

[acherontia]

To be brutally honest - considering that collared doves have incresed over 800% in recent years I wouldn't break my heart over a sparrowhawk taking a few especially as this time of year there'll be youngsters to feed too.
Perhaps I'm heartless but I tend to rejoice at any sighting of a raptor these days. They're just as much part of nature as any other bird .

The other week a sparrowhawk took a young blackbird and sat outside our window in the willow tree to have his/her meal. The parents were none too pleased (the noise was deafening) and we'd seen them build the nest and feed the young but Hey! That's nature for you.

Jennywren wrote

Sparrowhawks are a native species and have nothing at all to do with the decline of any of their prey species. In ecology it's the population of the prey species that controls the population of the predator, rather than the other way round.

Quite true!

Acherontia

[wildherbalian85]

Originally Posted by Jenny W

Sparrowhawks are a native species and have nothing at all to do with the decline of any of their prey species. In ecology it's the population of the prey species that controls the population of the predator, rather than the other way round.

Good and logical post