Posted by Vincent on May 25, 2003 at 21:32:07:
In Reply to: Naples Trip posted by Felipe on May 25, 2003 at 19:51:06:
Felipe:
I was interested to hear that you saw a Ringed Turtle-Dove in Naples. To the best of my knowledge, there have never been any verified examples (i.e. photos or specimens) of Ringed Turtle-Doves in Collier County, especially in the last ten years or so. Could you please tell me where you saw the bird and give me some indication why you think this was a Ringed Turtle-Dove and not either a leucistic Mourning Dove (see "Opitional Image URL" below) or even a Eurasian Collared-Dove? I'd be most appreciative.
I've lived in Florida for three years now and I've actively sought out Ringed Turtle-Doves in former "known" locations such as St. Petersburg etc. but have yet to see one. Either their populations have plummeted (I suspect that this is the case) or I have been extremely unlucky. Only a handful of these birds have been reported anywhere in the state in recent years.
Good birding!
Vincent Lucas
Naples