Wait a second...what kinda doves are these?

What appears to be a "new" dove migrating its way into the Midwest is actually the Eurasion Collard Dove (aka Ringneck Dove). Named primarily due to the distinctive black band circling the back of their neck.
Apparently, these birds made their way from South America up to the islands south of the Florida Keys and southern Texas. The first sign of these doves was sometime in the 70's and were very popular for exotic bird watchers. They've since migrated their way north and seem to be more abundant in suburban areas. Unlike our mourning doves, they prefer the city life and rarely feed in grain fields. I know they've been in SE MO for a few years now because my Granddad used to complain that they were pigs at his bird feeders.
If they are in your area and look to bag some, you'll have to find a field very close to town in order to get a shot at one. They are opportunists and prefer bird feeders. Plus, check regulations in your state to see if they are actually legal to shoot.
They are however aggressive and legend has it they kill young mourning doves and take over the nest. Ive no concrete proof about this but have been told from eye witnesses of such encounters. I can say, that they are easy targets. They are not as fast of flyers as what we are used to doves being and they are much larger.
Anyways, on a recent trip back home to the MO Bootheel for opening day, I was long over due to visit with my family. It was fun getting to hunt with my brother (Van pictured), cousins Duke Turnage(Primos Prostaff), and his brother Richard. Those guys are used to seeing these birds and was no big deal to them, but for me, this was my first encounter and I can tell you that they are definitely a more handsome bird than their cousins. Not sure yet if they'll taste the same so I'll have to report on that later.

Scott Turnage/Host of the G3 Sportsman