PIGEONS, DOVES

White-winged Dove, Zenaida asiatrica

Family Columbidae (Pigeons, Doves)

Size: 11.5"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Open woodlands, desert scrub, urban and agricultural areas

The White-winged Dove is similar in shape to the Mourning Dove but is heavier with a shorter tail and broader wings. It is brownish-gray overall with dark wing tips and a broad white patch along the upper wing coverts that forms a white arc on the outer edges of the folded wing. The fanned tail shows white outer corners. There is a blue orbital ring around the brownish eyes, and a black spot along the lower cheek. White-winged Doves forage for seeds, fruits, or cacti. The voice is an owl-like, mournful whoo-whoo-ca-whoo. Their range, once limited to far southern Texas, is expanding across the state as the bird adapts to most habitats, including urban areas. The adult is illustrated.