Bird GuidePigeons and DovesWhite-winged Dove

At a Glance

Related to the Mourning Dove, but a larger and bulkier bird, the White-wing is mainly a summer resident in the southwestern states. It is abundant in some regions, and streamside groves or desert washes may echo with the crowing calls of males on spring mornings. In some desert areas, this dove often feeds on the fruits of cactus, and visits their flowers for nectar; it is an important pollinator of the giant saguaro cactus.
Category
Pigeon-like Birds, Pigeons and Doves
Conservation
Low Concern
Habitat
Arroyos and Canyons, Desert and Arid Habitats, Fields, Meadows, and Grasslands, Forests and Woodlands, Shrublands, Savannas, and Thickets, Urban and Suburban Habitats
Region
California, Florida, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, Southwest, Texas
Behavior
Direct Flight
Population
14.000.000

Range & Identification

Migration & Range Maps

Most of those nesting in southwest move south in fall. Migration is early in both seasons, most birds arriving by March and leaving in September. A few remain through winter north of the border, especially in suburban areas. Strays sometimes wander far north of breeding range. Regular along Gulf Coast in winter. Florida birds are mostly permanent residents.

Description

12" (30 cm). Bulkier than Mourning Dove, with shorter tail. Big white wing patches and white tips on outer tail feathers, most obvious in flight.
Size
About the size of a Crow, About the size of a Robin
Color
Black, Blue, Brown, Gray, White
Wing Shape
Broad, Pointed
Tail Shape
Rounded, Square-tipped

Songs and Calls

Drawn out hooo-hooo-ho-hooo or who-cooks-for-you.
Call Pattern
Falling, Flat
Call Type
Hoot, Odd

Habitat

River woods, mesquites, saguaros, groves, towns. Found in a variety of semi-open habitats in southwest, including native brushlands in Texas and deserts farther west, plus chaparral and open oak woods; also adapts quickly to altered habitats, such as farmland, suburbs, citrus groves, plantings of trees in grassland. In winter, those remaining north of Mexico are mostly in towns.

Behavior

Eggs

2, sometimes 1-4. White to very pale buff. Incubation is by both parents, 13-14 days.

Young

Both parents feed young "pigeon milk." Young leave nest at about 13-16 days, are fed by parents for some time thereafter. 2-3 broods per year.

Feeding Behavior

Forages mostly on ground, also up in trees, shrubs, cactus. Often seen at top of giant saguaro cactus, feeding on fruit or flowers (may get much of its water that way in desert areas).

Diet

Mostly seeds, some fruits and berries. Feeds on seeds of many wild plants, also some cultivated grains; may eat acorns where available. Feeds on fruits, especially those of cactus, also smaller berries. Will come to large flowers, apparently for nectar.

Nesting

May nest in colonies, especially where nest sites in isolated grove are surrounded by good feeding areas. In courtship display, male flaps up and then glides down in wide circle. While perched, male raises tail and quickly fans it open and shut to flash black and white tail pattern. Both members of pair go through ritualized nodding and preening motions. Nest site is in shrub, tree, or cactus, usually 4-30' above ground. Placed on horizontal limb or fork in branch, sometimes on top of old nest or on tangle of thorns. Nest is a flimsy platform of sticks. Male brings most material, female builds.

Climate Vulnerability

Conservation Status

Probably declined originally with clearing of native habitat, but has adapted well to altered environment, now abundant and probably expanding range to the north.

Climate Map

Audubon’s scientists have used 140 million bird observations and sophisticated climate models to project how climate change will affect the range of the White-winged Dove. Learn even more in our Audubon’s Survival By Degrees project.

Climate Threats Facing the White-winged Dove

Choose a temperature scenario below to see which threats will affect this species as warming increases. The same climate change-driven threats that put birds at risk will affect other wildlife and people, too.