Common and widespread resident. 

The Collared Dove is a prime example of opportunistic exploitation. At the end of the nineteenth century it was only found in southern and central Asia. Its subsequent spread across Europe is one of the most dramatically successful colonisations of modern times. They were only first seen in Britain in 1952, and in Hertfordshire in 1957. 

The earliest records from Stevenage are: pair at Humphreys End, Rectory Lane on 10 April 1966; one at the High Street on 1 October 1966; one at an unrecorded location on 1 January 1967; a pair in Monks Wood in 1969 (one of which was subsequently shot); two at Watery Grove on 11 April 1970;  one at Monks Wood on 9 December 1971; three pairs Chells 1972; pairs Pound Avenue, Walkern Road, Fairlands Way and the Industrial Area 1972; pairs Aston End and Watery Grove 1973. From then their numbers built up with, 16 pairs recorded from Stevenage in 1973, and by 1976 they were considered common in the town.

Breeding was confirmed from eight of the town’s tetrads in the 1992 Breeding Atlas, which was an increase from the two in the 1973 Atlas. The 2012 Atlas confirmed breeding from two tetrads, probable breeding from five and, possible breeding from three tetrads.

The 2012 Winter Atlas confirmed their presence from all 11 of the tetrads covering Stevenage.

The Common Bird Census recorded their presence at Watery Grove in 1975, 1977, 1990 and 1993.

Approximately 50 were seen roosting at Lords Farm, Aston on 8 November 2003.