Description
The white-winged dove (Zenaida asiatica) is a medium-sized dove found across the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It is notable for its distinctive white wing patches visible during flight. Its plumage is generally grey-brown, with a subtle pinkish hue on the underparts. Adults have a striking blue eye-ring, black cheek markings, and a long, square-tipped tail with white corners. It can be differentiated from similar species, such as the mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), by its larger size, distinctive wing pattern, and the unique blue eye-ring. Additionally, their calls differ, with the white-winged dove being known for its distinct ‘who cooks for you’ call.
Diet & habitat
White-winged doves inhabit a variety of environments, including desert, scrub, and urban areas. They have adapted well to human-altered landscapes, often found in agricultural fields and city parks. Their diet primarily consists of seeds, grains, and fruits. They are particularly fond of feeding on the fruits of the saguaro cactus in the southwestern U.S., playing a crucial role in the cactus’s life cycle. White-winged doves feed both on the ground and in trees or shrubs. They are known for their unique feeding strategy during saguaro fruit season, where they may gorge on the fruits, storing large amounts of food in their crop (part of their esophagus) to digest later.
Nesting
The breeding season for white-winged doves typically spans from May to September. They are monogamous during breeding season, with both males and females participating in nest building. The nest is a simple platform of twigs, located in trees or shrubs. Females usually lay two eggs per clutch, and both parents share incubation duties, which lasts about two weeks. Fledging occurs around two weeks after hatching, with juveniles quickly becoming independent.
Status
The population of white-winged dove is stable and the species is widespread, thanks to their adaptability to various habitats, including urban areas. It is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List.
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