The Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) exemplifies adaptability and expansion. Originally native to parts of Asia, this species has undergone a remarkable range expansion over the last century, making it a familiar sight across much of Europe, the Middle East, and North America. This dove’s ability to thrive in a wide range of habitats has facilitated its success in colonizing new areas, making its range one of the most expansive among dove species.

The Eurasian Collared Dove's journey began in the Indian subcontinent, from where it spread across to the Balkans in the early 20th century. Its colonization of Europe was rapid and widespread, occurring mainly during the latter half of the 20th century. By the 1950s and 1960s, the dove had established itself in the United Kingdom and many parts of Northern Europe.

The Eurasian Collared Dove's appearance in North America is a more recent phenomenon, first noted in the 1980s. It is believed that the species arrived in the Bahamas in the 1970s, possibly from accidental or deliberate releases. From there, it spread to Florida and subsequently across much of the United States and parts of Canada. Its proliferation across the continent has been swift, showcasing the bird’s remarkable ability to adapt to new environments.

One of the key factors behind the Eurasian Collared Dove's successful range expansion is its versatility in habitat preference. This species can thrive in a variety of settings, from rural farmlands and open country to suburban and urban areas. It is often found around human habitation, taking advantage of feeding opportunities in gardens, parks, and yards. This adaptability has been crucial in allowing the dove to integrate into existing ecosystems without the need for specialized habitat requirements.

Today, the Eurasian Collared Dove's range covers a vast area, including:

• Much of Europe, extending into Scandinavia and eastward into Russia.
• The Middle East, encompassing countries such as Turkey and Iran.
• Parts of Asia, particularly the Indian subcontinent where it is native.
• A significant portion of North America, from the southern regions of Canada through the United States and into Mexico.

Despite its widespread presence, the Eurasian Collared Dove continues to expand its range, especially in North America, where its population numbers are still growing. Its success story highlights the impact of species adaptability on range expansion, as well as the unintended consequences of human activities on wildlife distribution.

The Eurasian Collared Dove serves as an interesting case study in rapid range expansion and adaptability. Its presence across diverse geographical locations underscores the dynamic nature of avian distribution patterns and the continuous evolution of ecosystems under the influence of both natural and anthropogenic factors.

We've added three new parrots from South America, namely the Blue-crowned Conure, Nanday Conure and Patagonian Conure. These three new Birdorable birds were requested by several customers. Conures are either large parakeets or small parrots that live in Central and South America (the extinct Carolina Parakeet was an exception). Conures are often called the clowns of the parrot world due to their constant attention seeking behavior including hanging upside-down and swaying back and forth.

Today we've added the one hundredth bird species to Birdorable.com: The California Condor. For all 100 species see Meet the Birds.

The California Condor, a type of vulture, has the largest wingspan of any bird found in North America. The bird today is considered critically endangered. In 1987 the last wild California Condor was captured to become part of one of the most expensive conservation projects ever. At that time there were only 22 individuals! In early 2008 this number had increased to over 300 birds, with over 150 in two wild populations. 

To see all our designs see the California Condor page. Here's a photo of a Birdorable Condor perched on a branch overlooking the Grand Canyon:

Today is Pi Day. Not the sweet and delicious kind, but π as in the mathematical number "3.1415926...", hence it is celebrated on March 14th, or 3/14 on the American calendar. The first Pi Day was held at the San Francisco Exploratorium in 1988 with people marching around in circles and eating fruit pies. It is a fun holiday for mathematicians and it also happens to be Albert Einstein's birthday. Here are two Birdorable Pi designs for this occasion:

The Common Kestrel is native to parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. They hunt by hovering 10 to 20 meters over the ground in search of prey. These small birds of prey are often seen hovering by highways, looking for mice, voles and other small rodents. This is our totally cute version of the Common Kestrel and our 99th Birdorable species:

The Eurasian Nuthatch is the 98th cute bird that we're adding to Birdorable. You can find all the others on the Meet the Birds page. Just two more and we'll hit number one hundred, which will be a special bird. The Eurasian Nuthatch is a cute little Nuthatch that lives throughout Europe and Asia. It is a common backyard bird in some parts of Europe where it feeds on seeds and nuts. It has the ability, like other nuthatches, to climb down trees, unlike species such as woodpeckers which can only go upwards. This is our totally cute Birdorable version of the European Nuthatch:

The Chaffinch is a common and delightful bird found across Europe, easily recognized by its distinctive song and vibrant colors. These birds are frequent visitors to gardens and backyards, making them familiar to many bird enthusiasts.

Male Chaffinches are particularly eye-catching during the breeding season. They boast a slate-blue cap, a rusty red breast, and a pinkish face, creating a striking appearance. Females, on the other hand, have more subdued colors, with greyish-brown plumage that provides excellent camouflage.

Chaffinches are part of the finch family and are known for their melodious song, which is a cheerful addition to any garden. Their diet primarily consists of seeds, but they also feed their chicks insects, ensuring the young birds get the protein they need for healthy growth.

One interesting fact about Chaffinches is that they have different regional song dialects depending on their geographical location. This means that a Chaffinch in Spain might sound slightly different from one in Germany. Bird enthusiasts enjoy trying to distinguish these subtle differences when traveling.

Our new Birdorable Chaffinch design captures the essence of this charming bird, highlighting its cute and vibrant features. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher or just someone who enjoys the occasional visit from feathered friends in your garden, the Chaffinch is a delightful bird to observe. Check out these cute Chaffinch gifts:

The European Goldfinch is a small, colorful bird native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. These finches are easily recognizable by their striking red faces, black and white heads, and yellow and black wings. Their diet mainly consists of small seeds, like those from thistles and teasels, and they are frequent visitors to bird feeders, especially during winter.

European Goldfinches are not only visually appealing but also have a delightful, tinkling song that adds charm to their presence. They are social birds, often seen in flocks, especially outside the breeding season. Their nests are intricately woven cups of moss, grass, and lichen, usually placed high in trees.

Our Birdorable version of the European Goldfinch captures its adorable and vibrant nature, making it a perfect representation of this beloved bird.

This week we welcome the Carolina Wren to Birdorable! The beloved bird is found across the eastern United States and known for its distinctive and loud song. This small bird, which is the state bird of South Carolina, is a common sight in backyards and gardens. The male Carolina Wren's song, famously rendered as "tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea-kettle," varies regionally. Birds in northern areas tend to sing slower than their southern counterparts.

Carolina Wrens are easily recognized by their rich, reddish-brown plumage and distinctive white eye stripe. They are active and curious birds, often seen flitting around underbrush and dense vegetation. These wrens are also known for their nesting habits, often building nests in a variety of locations, from tree cavities to human-made structures like flower pots and mailboxes.

Their diet primarily consists of insects and spiders, but they will also eat seeds and fruit, making them frequent visitors to bird feeders, especially during winter when food is scarce. Carolina Wrens are non-migratory birds, staying in their territories year-round, which makes them familiar faces for many bird enthusiasts.

Our Birdorable version of the Carolina Wren captures the adorable essence of this charming bird, with its vibrant plumage and curious nature. Whether you're an experienced birdwatcher or new to the hobby, spotting a Carolina Wren is always a delightful experience.

The European Robin is a beloved small bird found throughout Europe. Unlike the American Robin, which is a thrush, the European Robin is related to flycatchers. These birds are easily recognized by their bright red breast and face, which contrasts beautifully with their olive-brown back and wings. European Robins are known for their friendly and curious nature, often following gardeners around in hopes of catching unearthed insects.

European Robins have a sweet, melodious song that can be heard year-round. Males are particularly vocal during the breeding season, using their songs to establish territories and attract mates. Unlike many other birds, both male and female European Robins sing.

These robins are versatile in their nesting habits, building nests in a variety of locations, from dense bushes to tree cavities and even garden sheds. They use moss, leaves, and feathers to create a cozy nest for their eggs.

Our Birdorable version of the European Robin captures the bird’s cute and vibrant essence, making it a perfect representation of this endearing species. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or just enjoy the occasional visit from feathered friends, the European Robin is sure to bring joy and charm to any garden.