Population status of Pigeons and Doves in the Eastern Baltic Region

Abstract

An overview on numbers, distribution, population trends and habitat use of wild pigeons and doves in the Eastern Baltic region is provided. The total estimated population of Wood Pigeon in the region concerned is about 500.000 pairs, of Turtle Dove - more than 100.000 pairs, of Collared Dove - up to 60.000 pairs and of Stock Dove - about 20.000 pairs. The breeding population of Stock Dove is decreasing in the Eastern Baltic region, while populations of Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove and Turtle Dove are increasing or stable. There is still a lack of detailed data on the breeding ecology and migration pattern of pigeons and doves in the Eastern Baltic region.