Inca Dove

Inca Dove, adult

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1. Cool Facts
2. Description
3. Sound
4. Range
5. Conservation Status
6. Other Names

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.

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.

Description

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

• 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.

Sex Differences

Sexes look similar.

Immature

Juvenile similar to adult, but less scaly.

Sound

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

Range

Range Map

© 2003 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

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Summer Range

Resident from southern California to western Louisiana, southward to Costa Rica.

Conservation Status

Population in United States is increasing.

Other Names

Coquita Común, Tortolita San Juan (Spanish)

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.