Inca Dove

Inca Dove, adult

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1. Description
2. Sound
3. Conservation Status
4. Other Names
5. Cool Facts
6. Full detailed species account

A small tropical dove of arid areas, the Inca Dove has become a common resident of urban areas of the Southwest. It has expanded its breeding range northward and southward, but has remained attracted to towns and cities.

Description

• Small dove.
• Light brown body.
• Dark brown feather edging gives a scaly appearance.
• Long tail with square tip and white outer tail feathers.
• Rufous in wings visible in flight.

• Size: 18-23 cm (7-9 in)
• Weight: 30-58 g (1.06-2.05 ounces)

Sex Differences

Sexes look similar.

Sound

A high "coo-coo," sometimes translated as "no hope."

Conservation Status

Population in United States is increasing.

Other Names

Coquita Común, Tortolita San Juan (Spanish)

Cool Facts

• The Inca Dove engages in an odd behavior, known as "pyramid roosting." Pairs or groups of Inca Doves may huddle together in the sunshine, with some sitting on the back of the others. The pyramid may be three layers high and include up to 12 birds.

Sources used to construct this page:

Mueller, A. J. 1992. Inca Dove (Columbina inca). In The Birds of North America, No. 28 (A. Poole, P. Stettenheim, and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA; The American Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C.