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Do you ever wonder why doves are so revered? It might be because of their peaceful nature, or the fact that they have been a symbol of love and peace since ancient times.
But no matter what it is, there’s no denying the beauty and variety in California’s dove populations! From Mourning Doves to Rock Pigeons to Eurasian Collared-Doves, we can explore seven different types of doves found throughout California — as well as two rare species that occasionally make an appearance.
So let’s take a closer look at these feathered friends and discover all the wonderful things about them in more detail!
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- California is home to a remarkable diversity of dove species, encompassing both common and rare varieties.
- The dove species inhabiting California display unique features and behaviors, including distinct plumage patterns, habitat preferences, and vocalizations.
- Conservation efforts are imperative to safeguarding threatened dove populations in California.
- Birdwatchers and hunters visiting California can experience a broad range of observing and hunting opportunities thanks to the state’s diverse dove species.
7 Types of Doves in California
You’re in for a treat—California hosts 7 fascinating dove species. From the familiar Mourning Dove’s mournful coo to the Eurasian Collared-Dove’s distinctive black neck band, each dove has unique traits that set it apart.
The mourning dove’s sorrowful song can be heard across the state, while the Common Ground-Dove scurries through brush with a series of low, fast notes. The Inca Dove’s scaled feathers provide camouflage in the dry deserts and the White-winged Dove migrates from the southeast each spring.
Whether you spot a Mourning Dove perched on a telephone wire or hear an Inca Dove’s soft hoo-hoo-hoo call echoing through a canyon, California’s doves display incredible diversity.
Mourning Dove
You’ll recognize the mourning dove by its grayish-brown color with a pale underside, pointed wings and tail, small black dot on the face, grayish blue eyering, and pink legs. The mourning dove frequents urban habitats like parks and backyards, foraging on seeds and grains.
You may hear its distinctive cooing during the mating season. This adaptable dove thrives among humans, though habitat loss impacts populations.
Rock Pigeon
Rock pigeons, typically despised city birds, deserve a second look. Look past spilled trash and focus on their plumage; polish these rough stones to see their shimmering neckbands glimmering green and purple in the sun.
Listen to their tender coos comforting each other amidst urban clamor. Although as common as pigeons, each one has innate beauty and dignity. Let’s delight like children at their aerial dances and make urban space for even unwanted wildlife.
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Look over at that dove with the distinct black collar around its neck while it pecks around the courtyard. The Eurasian collared dove is often spotted in urban settings, coexisting alongside mourning doves and white-winged doves.
You might hear their rhythmic coo as the medium-sized grayish brown birds perch on buildings or utility poles. Originally from Asia and Europe, collared doves exhibit an affinity for human environments.
Interestingly, while their numbers in Europe have declined, they’ve thrived in the U.
White-winged Dove
Feel the soothing coo of that snowy winged beauty drifting over you. Meet the majestic white-winged dove gliding into your backyard, native to the southwest. This dove adores fruits like hackberries and seeds from agaves. With watchful eyes, its serene presence brings a sense of belonging.
Conserve natural habitats so more can delight in its beauty. That rhythmic, mellow who-cooks-for-you sings a siren’s song to kindred spirits.
Band-tailed Pigeon
Check wild forests while listening for wing beats to find the native band-tailed pigeon. Unlike the rock pigeon you know from cities, this dove lives hidden in the trees. Watch for plump gray birds with iridescent neck markings flying among evergreens.
Their bassy who-cooks-for-YOU calls echo as they forage on natural mast crops. Although migrating north, healthy numbers overwinter through the south. With patience, you’ll glimpse this little-seen upland game bird in its native habitat.
Inca Dove
You’ll often see the uniformly brown Inca dove with dark-rimmed feathers in human settlements.
- Coos and claps its wings at dusk.
- Roosts together when temperatures drop.
- Feeds on grains and seeds on the ground.
The small Inca dove thrives near people yet keeps a wild spirit. This adaptable bird enlivens our neighborhoods.
Common Ground Dove
You’d recognize the Common Ground Dove by its distinctive cooing call. The smallest dove species in California, it inhabits scrubby areas with low vegetation. Look for the bird’s chestnut wing patterns as it flushes from cover. Its soft, rhythmic cooing sounds like hoo-hoo, hooo, hoo.
Favoring hot regions, it seeks water daily and feeds on seeds and insects. To conserve populations of this wide-ranging New World dove, we must protect habitat loss. Though adaptable to humans, it avoids extensive urbanization. When exploring arid habitats, listen for the hypnotic cooing.
Rare Doves in California
Navigating California’s avian diversity can be challenging for ornithologists of all skill levels. Spotted doves and African collared-doves are two of the rarest columbids one might encounter in the wild, necessitating keen sight and hearing to discern their subtle differences from ubiquitous mourning doves.
While the mourning dove’s muted plumage helps it blend into the urban and rural environments it frequents, the bold black-and-white plumage of the African collared-dove makes it stand out. The endangered spotted dove’s pale fawn coloration allows it to disappear against desert sands.
Patient birders might be rewarded with sightings of these uncommon species if they explore the right habitats. With care and persistence, even novice naturalists can add these special birds to their life lists.
Spotted Dove
Hang tight, the rare spotted dove has been glimpsed in California before.
- Originally from South and Southeast Asia,
- They were introduced to California in 1917.
- Their population has been declining in recent years.
- Spotted doves are adaptable to many habitats, but prefer open farmland.
- Their distinct black neck collar helps with identification.
- Conservation efforts are needed to stabilize their populations.
Though spotted doves currently seem scarce, dedicated birders may yet spot one.
African Collared-Dove
Having rarely been seen in the wild in California, you have distinguished the African collared dove by its undertail coverts and distinctive call. Singing a repetitive, resonant coo, the aberrant individual found refuge amongst the eucalyptus and cypress trees dotting the Santa Clara River.
Though foreign to most observers, to you its pinkish gray plumage and black half collar were unmistakable hallmarks of an extraordinary sighting. While it is concerning that this introduced species may gain a foothold, you take comfort in knowing avid birders like yourself help monitor population trends for conservation.
Conclusion
Have you ever wondered what types of doves can be found in California? From the common Rock Pigeon to the more rare African Collared-Dove, the diversity of these beautiful birds is truly amazing.
California is home to seven distinct dove species, each with its own unique features and behaviors. The Mourning Dove has a distinctive coo-ah, coo, coo, coo sound, while the White-winged Dove’s song sounds like who cooks for you.
The Eurasian Collared-Dove has a black collar on the neck and white patches on the tail, and the Inca Dove is usually found in human settlements. The Band-tailed Pigeon is native to California and can be found in mature forests, while the Common Ground Dove has a recognizable cooing call.
Although the Spotted Dove and African Collared-Dove are rare in the wild, escaped birds have been reported. Whether you enjoy watching them or hunting them, California’s doves offer a variety of experiences to explore.
