White-winged Doves (Zenaida asiatica) are one of the larger gray-colored dove species in North America and they are more at home in semi-arid and desert areas than Mourning Doves.
White-winged Dove perched on a tree root – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/500, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light
White-winged Doves were at one point in time found mostly in the Rio Grande Valley but they have spread into the Great Plains, along the south central Gulf coast of Florida and are now expanding nationwide and into parts of southern Canada. White-winged Doves have a longer bill than Mourning Doves, their eyes are orange-red surrounded by a blue orbital ring and true to their name they also have a white leading edge to the wing.
White-winged Dove on the ground – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light
I photographed both these birds at Fort De Soto County Park near the Bay Pier, this one was foraging in the leaf litter. The diet of White-winged Doves includes seeds, nuts, fruits and grains. They are typically ground feeders.
One of their calls is a raspy, drawn out ‘who-cooks-for-you’.
As these doves continue to expand their range I suspect it will not be long before I see them more often here in Utah.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my White-winged Dove photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great photos as always Mia. Just came in from feeding same ;).. my resident morning (no ‘u’ ) call. Very calm birds I find..
Stu, these doves were very calm in my presence, they didn’t seem to mind me photographing them at all. Thanks for your comment.
Love that blue around the eyes!
And love the photo of it sitting on the rock!
Thanks Judy, they are lovely doves!