Investigation of the Distribution of Two Dove Species (Spilopelia senegalensis and Streptopelia decaocto) with Similar Ecological Characteristics; The Case of Antalya, Türkiye

This study was conducted between 2018 and 2019 to determine the distribution and bioecology of the Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) and the Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis) in Antalya, Türkiye. All districts of Antalya were surveyed and observed over a two-year period. Observations were analysed across four regions: north, east, west, and central districts. Both dove species were found in every district of Antalya. While S. decaocto was more abundant in the western districts (S. decaocto: 46.88±48.93; S. senegalensis: 11.05±14.00), S. senegalensis had higher numbers in the central (S. senegalensis: 654.17±570.56; S. decaocto: 46.88±48.91) and eastern districts (S. senegalensis: 42.05±25.09; S. decaocto: 18.10±23.05). A comparison between the initial observations in 2018 and the final ones in 2019 (S. senegalensis: 74.1% → 90.3%; S. decaocto: 29.9% → 9.7%) suggests that the population of S. senegalensis is expanding more rapidly than that of S. decaocto. The decline of S. decaocto, a resident species of Antalya, in areas where S. senegalensis is spreading suggests possible competitive displacement between the two species.