Doves are known for their calm cooing and smooth flying. You can find them everywhere, except Antarctica. You’ll find them in your backyard, city parks, and even in the hustle and bustle of the city. But, if you love watching birds and being in nature, telling one dove from another isn’t a walk in the park. Doves look alike – sleek and subtly colored. Spotting the differences might take a second look!
Don’t worry! This simple guide is your handy tool for understanding typical dove types in your area. It will help you know them by their looks, how they act, and where they like to be. With these, you’ll easily recognize these doves. Easy!
Common Dove Species
The kind of dove you see around might differ based on where you live. But, in North America, you’ll likely spot these common doves:
Mourning Dove
Spotting this dove isn’t too difficult; it’s about 9-13 inches in size. Its long, sharp tail and wistful coo make it unique. The dove’s feathers? Mainly gray-brown, but there’s a hint of red on the neck and chest.
Common Ground Dove
A bit smaller than the Mourning Dove, 7-8 inches precisely, the Common Ground Dove is unique. It’s not so long, its tail is shorter, body rounder. Check out their cool cinnamon-colored back and cool spots underneath.
White-winged Dove
A slim, graceful dove (9-10 inches) impresses with clear white flashes on its wings during flight. It’s dressed in gray to brown shades, and a unique black mark adorns the back of its neck.
Inca Dove
A small dove, 8 to 9 inches in length, the Inca Dove can bring charm to any backyard. With a round body, tiny tail, and detailed facial markings comprised of a dark line near the eye and a slight red patch on the forehead, they certainly stand out. They’re mainly gray-brown, but their back showcases a wavy pattern.
Rock Dove (Common Pigeon)
A dove measuring between 11-14 inches revels in city life owing to its high adaptability. The body of Rock Doves is sturdy, with their heads being round and their tails short and wide. Their feathers showcase a variety of shades, oscillating between different hues of gray and brown, often highlighted with white patterns on their wings and tails.
Identifying Common Dove Species
Even though they seem calm, many different physical traits make doves unique. Look at these important parts to figure out what kind of dove you’re seeing in your area:
- Size and Shape: Doves aren’t all the same size. You’ve got the tiny Inca Dove and the bigger Mourning Dove. Some are slim, others chunky. To know which dove is which, check out its tail and shape. They’re good hints!
- Coloration: Dove feathers can show mild changes in shades of gray and brown or display bold patterns with different colors. Pay attention to unique signs like patches on wings, bands around the neck, or distinct facial characteristics to identify the species.
- Beak: Even if it isn’t the main focus, a dove’s beak may give some hints for identifying it. Certain doves sport thin, sharp beaks, but others showcase more robust ones tipped with a hook.
Visual Guide to Common Doves:
This table below offers a fast overview of a few usual dove types, shedding light on their main distinguishing aspects:
| Dove Species | Size (inches) | Shape | Coloration | Distinctive Markings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | 9-13 | Slender, long tail | Grayish-brown | Reddish cast on neck and breast |
| Common Ground Dove | 7-8 | Round body, short tail | Cinnamon-colored back, spotted underparts | |
| White-winged Dove | 9-10 | Slender, long tail | Pale gray to brown | White wing patches |
| Inca Dove | 8-9 | Plump body, short tail | Grayish-brown, scalloped pattern on back | Black line through eye, reddish patch on forehead |
| Rock Dove (Common Pigeon) | 11-14 | Stocky, rounded head | Gray to brown, varies greatly | White markings on wings and tail |
Habitat Preferences of Common Doves
| Dove Species | Preferred Habitat |
|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Open fields, grasslands, agricultural areas, edges of woodlands |
| Common Ground Dove | Open fields, grasslands, scrublands, parks, gardens |
| White-winged Dove | Open woodlands, riparian areas, semi-arid scrublands, agricultural fields |
| Inca Dove | Woodlands, edges of forests, suburban areas, gardens, parks |
| Rock Dove (Common Pigeon) | Urban environments, cliffs, buildings, bridges |
Behavioral Traits of Common Doves
| Dove Species | Characteristic Behaviors |
| Mourning Dove | You often glimpse it resting on electrical wires or boundaries, hunting rapidly on the ground. It takes off with wings clapping. |
| Common Ground Dove | Mostly, it stays on the ground, scrounging for seeds or bugs. When it walks, it nods its head. |
| White-winged Dove | It’s pretty social, seen in groups, feeding on seeds and fruits. It also offers an eye-catching display of love with sky dives and somersaults. |
| Inca Dove | You will frequently spot it resting on low branches, basking in the sun on exposed areas, busily nodding its head and flicking its tail. It scrounges for fruit and seeds left on the ground. |
| Rock Dove (Common Pigeon) | They are extremely friendly, liking to forage in large groups on the ground. They are famous for their pompous walk and love for baths. |
Additional Tips for Identification
Beyond physical appearance, several other factors can aid in identifying dove species:
- Behavior: Check out the dove’s behavior in its habitat. Does it search for food on the earth, similar to the Common Ground Dove? Or does it rest on tall tree limbs like the Mourning Dove? Certain doves such as the Inca Dove, exhibit a distinct nodding movement.
- Habitat Preference: Various dove types like different places to live. Mourning Doves enjoy wide fields and forests’ fringes, while Rock Doves flourish in city areas. Understanding a dove type’s favorite home can help figure out what kind it is.
- Calls: Doves each have their unique sound. The Mourning Dove, for instance, coos sadly, and the White-winged Dove whistles a tune. Learning these unique dove sounds can help identify them easier. There’s a lot of useful guides and online resources with recordings of these dove calls. A notable one is the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All About Birds website. It’s a treasure trove of bird sounds.
Conclusion
Figuring out the type of dove you’re gazing at can heighten your birdwatching pleasure. This guide helps you identify local doves, adding a dash of confidence to your hobby. Remember, the key is repetition! The more doves you spot in their natural surroundings, the better you become at noticing their special features.
Consider this guide your trusty starting line, with endless wonders of the dove world waiting ahead. eBird and similar online platforms add zing to your knowledge, providing live updates on local bird sightings. So, when you hear a soft coo, try identifying the dove making it. With consistent learning and this guide in your hands, you might soon become a dove-identifying champ!
