Tom Tarrant wrote:
> Several pairs of Collared Doves ('Barbary' Doves) Streptopelia decaocto are
> becoming established at Reef Point
I've received a report of a Collared Dove in Sandringham, South-East
Melbourne (May 1996). My (1974) copy of the Birds of Britain and Europe
(Heinzel, Fitter and Parslow) gives this as a different species from the
paler Barbary Dove (Stretopelia risoria) which is a popular cage bird.
I am appalled that Collared Doves are allowed into Australia: they have,
in about 50 years, spread from Iraq throughout Europe and onwards to
Iceland. So they could expand into practically every habitat in
Australia where there are seeds.
Also both sexes of the Ring-necked (Rose-ringed) Parakeet Psittacula
krameri, which the cage bird people call the Indian Ringneck, have been
recorded here this year. This species is an orchard pest and has gone
feral in England where it occupies tree holes.
Another MAJOR danger to Australian birds ?
BOTH SPECIES SHOULD, I BELIEVE, BE EXTERMINATED BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.
Anyone with info. on how to arrange capture etc. (especially in
Victoria), please reply. I hope Tom will ensure the Reef Point birds are
eliminated.
Michael Norris
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