The white-winged dove is a dove whose native range extends from the Southwestern United States through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. They are large for doves, and can be distinguished from similar doves by the distinctive white edge on their wings. They have a blue eyering, and red eyes. The plumage is brownish-gray to gray. Juveniles are duller in color, and have brown eyes. The call is likened to English phrase "who cooks for you". There are three subspecies. It was first described by George Edwards in 1743, and given its binomial name by Linnaeus in 1756. It was moved into the genus Zenaida in 1838.
Region
North and Central America and the Caribbean
Typical Environment
Found from the southwestern United States through much of Mexico and Central America, and on many Caribbean islands. Occupies deserts with columnar cacti, thorn scrub, open woodlands, riparian corridors, and agricultural lands. Frequently uses suburban parks and gardens with seed and water sources. In the northern part of the range some populations migrate seasonally, while many tropical populations are resident.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
White-winged doves are easily identified by the bold white wing bars that flash in flight and a powder-blue eye ring around their red eyes. In the Sonoran Desert they time breeding to the bloom and fruiting of saguaros, feeding on nectar and pulp. They are capable of commuting long distances to water sources in arid landscapes. Their mellow call is often rendered as “who cooks for you.”
In Texas
Eating large seed in San José, Costa Rica
Cooing, Monterrey Mexico
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forages and travels in loose flocks outside the breeding season and readily gathers at water and grain sources. Pairs form monogamous bonds, building simple stick nests in trees, cacti, or shrubs. They can raise multiple broods in favorable years, especially where food is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A low, rhythmic series of coos commonly transcribed as “who cooks for you.” Calls carry well in open habitats and are repeated in steady sequences, especially at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Smooth brownish-gray to gray body with a crisp white wing patch forming a narrow white edge at rest and a bold white flash in flight.
Diet
Primarily eats seeds and grains from native plants and agricultural crops such as sorghum, sunflower, and millet. In deserts it takes saguaro and other cactus fruits, including pulp and seeds, and may sip nectar. Will also consume berries and occasional green plant matter; animal prey is minimal. Regular ingestion of grit aids digestion.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the ground in open fields, along roadsides, and beneath bird feeders. In arid regions, concentrates near fruiting cacti and at stock tanks or natural water sources. Also exploits urban and suburban landscapes with reliable seed and water.
