White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

The White-winged Dove is primarily a native of the southwestern U.S., but they are adapting to a human presence and have expanded their range northward in recent decades.  While most migrate southward in the winter, some have learned to move to suburban areas to take advantage of bird feeders and other human-introduced food items.  They are still only very rare visitors to South Dakota, however.

Habitat: Can be found in a variety of semi-open habitats, including shrubland, deserts, chaparral, open oak woodlands, farmland, and suburban areas.  

Diet: Primarily feeds on seeds, fruits, berries, and occasionally nectar.

Behavior: Will forage on the ground or in trees and other vegetation.  In desert areas of the southwest, they are important pollinators of Saguaro cacti, and are often seen at the tops of these plants, feeding on the flowers and fruit.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota

Song: Low-pitched cooing. Click for White-winged Dove song.

Migration: Summers in the southwestern U.S. and along the Gulf Coast.  Most move southward for the winter, although those in southern Florida appear to be permanent residents and those in suburban settings are less likely to migrate.

Similar Species: Mourning Dove

Status: Numbers and range are expanding as they become accustomed to a human-altered environment.

Feeders: Will attend feeders for small seeds and fruit

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, White-winged Dove

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - White-winged Dove"

3) eNature.com -- White-winged Dove

Photo Information: May 6th, 2008 - Near Tucson, Arizona - Terry L. Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution White-winged Dove photos.