White-winged Dove

White-winged Dove

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

A mostly tropical dove, the White-winged Dove makes it into the United States in the Soutwest. It is increasing its range northward and an introduced population has become established in Florida.

Description

• Medium-sized bird; large dove.
• Small head.
• Grayish brown body.
• Large white patch in wings obvious in flight, visible as white line along front of wing when perched.
• Medium-long square tail, with white tip.
• Skin around eyes bright blue.
• Black streak on cheek.

Sex Differences

Sexes look alike.

Sound

Song a hooting "who-hoo-who-hoo-oo."

Conservation Status

Common and increasing it breeding range. Declined in early 20th century because of over hunting and habitat destruction, but populations rebounded. Hunted in Arizona and Texas.

Other Names

Tourterelle à ailes blanches (French)
Las palomas de alas blancas (Spanish)

Cool Facts

• Although the White-winged Dove is mostly resident in the Southwest, it is expanding its range, and individuals can be found far afield. White-winged Doves have been seen from Alaska to Ontario, Maine, Newfoundland, and most places inbetween.

Sources used to construct this page:

Schwertner, T. W., H. A. Mathewson, J. A. Roberson, M. Small, and G. L. Waggerman. 2002. White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica). In The Birds of North America, No. 710 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.