Colorado Faces “Significant Die-Off” as Hundreds Report Dead Birds Across the State

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has recently informed the public about an unusual and “significant die-off” among Eurasian collared doves in the lower Arkansas River valley, specifically near La Junta and Rocky Ford. Despite the hundreds of calls they’ve received reporting dead birds, officials have reassured residents that the situation is not a major concern.

The Eurasian collared dove is an invasive species in Colorado, known for its competitive nature in dominating food resources over native birds. Additionally, these doves are carriers of trichomonas, a disease that poses risks to other bird species. While the current die-off may seem alarming, experts believe it will have minimal impact on the overall ecosystem.

Lab tests have identified Avian Paramyxovirus-1 (APMV-1) as the cause of the die-off. This virus primarily affects doves and pigeons and is unrelated to the bird flu strains commonly seen in wild bird populations in recent years. The virus, first identified in Colorado in 2014, previously caused a similar mass mortality event among Eurasian collared doves. Fortunately, APMV-1 is not known to affect humans.

Wildlife officer Jordan DePriest addressed public concerns, saying, “We want to reassure everyone that this virus is largely limited to Eurasian collared doves and should resolve itself naturally within a few weeks. However, we advise people not to handle sick or dead birds and to keep children, pets, and domestic birds away from them.”

To prevent potential disease spread among local bird populations, CPW recommends cleaning bird feeders weekly. For those especially concerned, temporarily removing bird feeders is another option.

The Eurasian collared dove has an intriguing history. Native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, these birds were introduced to North America through a series of unplanned releases. In the 1970s, a small group of doves escaped from a pet shop in the Bahamas, with the remaining birds later being intentionally released. Around the same time, another group was freed in Guadeloupe due to a volcanic threat. By the 1980s, the species had reached Florida and quickly spread across much of the continent.

Recognizable by their pale plumage and distinctive black “collar” marking, Eurasian collared doves are now widespread in Colorado. However, their presence has raised concerns due to their impact on native bird species and their ability to carry diseases like APMV-1.

While this die-off may seem alarming, CPW officials are confident it will run its course without significant long-term consequences. They continue to monitor the situation and urge residents to report any unusual bird deaths. For now, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and maintaining the balance between native and invasive species in Colorado’s ecosystems.