live in Texas , it does n’t take long to notice just how common and diverse doves are across the state . From quiet backyards in the suburban area to wide - undefended ranch lands , these graceful birds seem to show up everywhere . Over the year , I ’ve come to recognize and appreciate the manytypes of doves in Texas , each with its own habits , call , and preferable habitat .
Some doves thrive in urban scene , nuzzle near home and feeders , while others prefer the brushlands of South Texas or the rugged terrain out W . A few mintage are common sights year - round , while others appear only occasionally , make them a treat for seasoned birders . No matter the region , thetypes of dovesin Texasoffer a unique coup d’oeil into the state ’s lifelike diversity .
This clause bring in together 16 remarkabletypes of doves in Texas , complete with photos and key identification details . From the conversant Mourning Dove to rare visitor and even nonextant metal money that once fill the skies , this guide speculate both the workaday and sinful of Texas birdlife .
Different Types of Doves in Texas
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
The Mourning Dove is one of the most placeable bird in North America , known for its soft , plaintive cooing and streamlined , loose brown body . It has long , pointed tail feathering withwhite edges and black spotson its wings . Adults typically appraise about 12 inches in distance and are lissome with minor head and a graceful flying pattern .
These Columba are commonly see perched on telephone conducting wire , fence posts , or foraging on the ground in open field and backyards . Their flight is swift and direct , and they make a distinctive whistling phone with their annex when take off . Mourning peacenik are monogamous and often come back to the same nesting sites , typically work up flimsy nests in shrubs or Tree .
In Texas , Mourning Doves are abundant statewide and are present year - round . They boom in both urban and rural areas , from farmland and suburbs to city parking area . As one of the most hunted game birds in the United States , especially during dove time of year in Texas , their universe remains static due to their high procreation pace and adaptability .
White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)
White - wing peacenik are medium - sized doves with a strike white stripe along the sharpness of each wing , which is especially visible in flight . Their overall plumage is light brown or grayish - tan , with a gamey ring around the heart and a brusque , squared hindquarters . These doves are more or less larger and bulky than Mourning Doves .
They are societal and often go steady in declamatory wad , particularly around solid food sources such as seed feeder or fruit - bearing trees . White - wing Doves produce a distinctive hoot call and have solid , lineal trajectory patterns . They bung on grain , seeds , and yield and are especially attract to agricultural areas like sorghum and sunflower fields .
In Texas , White - winged Doves are specially common in central and southerly regions , including San Antonio , Austin , and the Rio Grande Valley . Their population has expanded in recent decades due to urbanisation and increase food availability . They are also a pop game bird during the squab hunt down time of year in Texas .
Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
The Eurasian Collared - Dove is a pallid gray dove with a characteristic black crescent - shaped taking into custody on the back of its cervix . It is slenderly larger than the Mourning Dove and has broad wing and a squared tail tipped with blanched . This specie has dark eyes and a elusive pinkish hue on the chest .
Introduced to North America in the eighties , this non - aboriginal species has chop-chop expanded its reach and is now uncouth across much of the United States , including Texas . It is often rule around human habitation — especially in suburban neighborhoods , texture silo , and farmyard . The bird ’s call is a insistent , rhythmical “ coo - COO - coo . ”
In Texas , Eurasian Collared - dove are far-flung and well established , particularly in Town and rural areas with ample food informant . They nuzzle in trees , utility pole , and buildings , and their adaptability to human environments has made them a lasting part of the DoS ’s avian landscape painting .
Inca Dove (Columbina inca)
The Inca Dove is a small , slight bird with a scaled appearance create by the dark edges on its pale brown feathering . It has a retentive , narrow tail with white edges and a soft cooing part . Its plumage help it fuse in well with dusty , desiccate surround , giving it fantabulous disguise on the footing .
This species prefer candid , wry habitats with spread out trees and shrubs . It is frequently see walk on sidewalks , private road , or pecking around bird feeders in urban expanse . Inca Doves are easy and often forge small flocks . They have an strange habit of huddling together in “ dove pyramids ” during cold weather condition to hold warmth .
In Texas , Inca Doves are most vernacular in key and southern region , where they dwell residential areas , green , and teetotal scrublands . They are year - round residents and can boom in both urban and semi - rural setting , in particular where dense vegetation or brushy cover is usable for nesting and roosting .
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
Rock Pigeons are robust , lumpy hiss with short neck and a broad range of plumage colour , though the most coarse type is gray with two bootleg offstage bar and iridescent green and purple around the neck opening . in the beginning native to Europe , North Africa , and western Asia , they are now found in city worldwide .
These pigeons are highly adaptable and are most often seen roost on shelf , bridge , and buildings . They forage on the ground in mountain , feeding on grains , seeds , staff of life , and human nutrient waste . Their flight is secure and verbatim , and they are capable of longsighted - distance navigation , which is why they were historically used as messenger pigeon .
In Texas , Rock Pigeons are primarily urban bird , thriving in business district areas , rail yard , and agricultural adroitness . They breed year - round in mild mood and often nest in man - made structures . Despite being turn over pests in some place , they make for an constitutional role in urban ecosystems and are a coarse vision in well-nigh every Texan city .
Common Ground-Dove (Columbina passerina)
The Common Ground - Dove is the minor dove species in Texas and North America , measuring just about 6.5 inches in length . It has a plump torso , unforesightful posterior , and scaly - looking plumage with a warm reddish - brown colouration and fine markings . Males often show a slight pinkish chromaticity on the chest and bluish tones on the crown .
This species favor ironical , open areas with thin vegetation such as scrublands , desert edges , and roadsides . genuine to its name , the Common Ground - Dove spends much of its fourth dimension scrounge on the ground , feeding primarily on seeds . Its call is a cushy , insistent “ woot - woot - woot ” that resembles a mechanical strait .
In Texas , these doves are found most frequently in the southerly and westerly parts of the state , especially in arid region . They are non - migratory and rest in their territories year - pear-shaped . Their small size , secretive nature , and ground - hugging doings often make them difficult to blob unless flush .
White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi)
The White - tipped Dove is a medium - sized , ground - dwelling dove with a pale gray head , brown back , and a whitened - tip behind that give the species its name . Its eyes are fence in by a hopeful blue orbital anchor ring , and it walks with a slow , deliberate gait . This peacenik has a soft , echoing “ whoo - oo ” call often heard deep in dim brush .
White - tip Columba prefer thick , semitropical woodlands and brushy habitats , often avoiding open space . They forage quietly on the ground for seeds and fallen fruits and are more often heard than seen due to their shy nature . Unlike other peacenik , they rarely pull together in large groups , favor lonesome or paired behavior .
In Texas , they are primarily restricted to the Lower Rio Grande Valley , specially in protect area such as the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge and Bentsen - Rio Grande State Park . Their statistical distribution in the U.S. is circumscribed , making them a specialty species for birders visiting South Texas .
Red-billed Pigeon (Patagioenas flavirostris)
The Red - billed Pigeon is a large , stocky pigeon with a deep violet - greyish soundbox , wide wings , and a classifiable bright red bill tip in yellow . It also has red legs and a maroon - colored oral sex and chest that contrast with its slating - Louis Harold Gray back . This species is perceptibly big than most other pigeon in the region .
These pigeons are typically set up in riparian timber and subtropic forests . They are unsure and often remain concealed in tree canopies , where they feed on fruit and berries . Their call are mysterious and resonant , echoing through the forested area they live . They are monogamous and make stick nests high in trees .
In Texas , Red - billed pigeon are confined to the extreme southern peak of the commonwealth , especially along the Rio Grande near berth like Roma , Salineño , and the Falcon Dam expanse . They are considered uncommon and local in the U.S. , draw aid from birdwatchers hoping to tell apart this tropic species .
Ruddy Ground-Dove (Columbina talpacoti)
The Ruddy Ground - Dove is a pocket-size Columba with a lovesome rufous or ruby - brown body and elusive spotting on its wings . male are more vibrantly emblazon , while female person appear paler and browner . Both sexes have short stern and a comparatively pear-shaped trunk , with pinkish legs and a agile , fluttery flight .
These squab are typically found in exposed land , farming field , and the edge of villages or township in their native tropical range . They scrounge primarily on the ground , eating seeds and small insect . Ruddy Ground - Doves are have intercourse for their fast wingbeats and run to be subdued and invisible .
In Texas , sighting of this species are uncommon and normally set to the southern border part , particularly in the Lower Rio Grande Valley . They may seem periodically , often after weather condition events that push them north from Mexico . Though not a regular house physician , the species is occasionally regard in birding hotspot during favourable class .
Ringed Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia risoria)
The Ringed Turtle - Dove is a cultivate chassis of peacenik , believe to deign from the African Collared - Dove . It has a light cream or beige colouration and a classifiable black collar around the neck , alike to its barbarian relation . Its eyes are dark and expressive , and its cooing is soft and rhythmic .
Because this mintage is bred in captivity for decorative determination or as ducky , it does not come naturally in the natural state . However , run away individuals are occasionally spotted in parks , gardens , and suburban neighborhoods , especially where other doves are feeding . They are docile and may approach self-feeder more pronto than raving mad Dove .
In Texas , Ringed Turtle - Doves may be observed periodically , usually in areas near human abode . Their presence in the wild is not static or ego - sustaining , as they bank on contrived environments for natural selection . When get word alfresco , they are often false for Eurasian Collared - Doves but are small and pallid in comparison .
Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata)
Though not a true peacenik , the Scaled Quail is sometimes misguided for one due to its dispirited , fluttering flight of stairs and plump consistence . It features blueish - gray feather with scalloped or “ scaled ” feather radiation pattern on its dresser and back , along with a short peak on its head that resemble a small tussock . The bird typically run rather than fly front when upset .
Scaled Quail are ground dwellers that prefer desiccated grasslands , desert bush , and mesquite flats . They feed on seeds , insects , and green botany , often mould coveys — humble family group — that stay together through much of the year . Their calls are loud , with a classifiable “ chi - ca - go ” tin whistle that carry well in clear space .
In Texas , they are found principally in the western part of the state , especially in the Panhandle , Trans - Pecos , and Edwards Plateau region . These quail are common in worthy habitat but may be confused with ground - foraging dove by casual observers due to their similar bm pattern and habitat manipulation .
Domestic Fancy Pigeon (Columba livia domestica)
Domestic Fancy Pigeons are selectively cover variety of the common Rock Pigeon and exhibit a broad chain of colors , feather shapes , and size . They can appear white , spot , frilled , or crested depending on their lineage , making them distinct from crazy pigeons . These birds are often raised for shows , racing , or as pets .
Although typically housed in loft , some Domestic Fancy Pigeons escape or are intentionally free and may survive in the wild , especially in urban environments . They often mix with feral Rock Pigeon populations , and their genetic traits may persist in hybrid offspring . Behaviorally , they are similar to Rock Pigeons — social , adaptable , and grain - feeding .
In Texas , sighting of fancy pigeon are normally near cities or rural farm with pigeon enthusiasts . While not a self - sustain wild universe , their episodic presence adds smorgasbord to urban quite a little . Their unusual plume often makes them stand out when determine among more uniformly colored wild pigeons .
African Collared-Dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea)
The African Collared - Dove is the violent ancestor of the cultivate Ringed Turtle - Dove . It has a pallid grayish - buff body , a minute black neck neckband , and slenderly pinkish tones on the breast . It resembles the Eurasian Collared - Dove but is belittled and typically lacks the darker out wing edge seen in its cousin .
This species is not native to the Americas but can at times be set up in the natural state due to escape from enslavement . African Collared - Dove are hardy and capable of surviving in dry , undefended environment with memory access to food and body of water . However , their presence in Texas is rarefied and usually specify to localized , short - terminal figure occurrences .
When they do come out in Texas , it ’s unremarkably near human habitation , bird feeders , or aviaries . Due to their close resemblance to other collared - Columba specie , accurate recognition can be difficult without close observation . They are not know to form established wild populations in the state .
Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata)
The Band - tail Pigeon is a tumid , elegant pigeon with delicate gray plumage , a pale head , and a distinctive white band across the nape of its neck . Its name comes from the coloured band on its broad behind . The species has yellow branch and a yellow bill tipped with black , and its overall size of it is larger than a Rock Pigeon .
This pigeon typically inhabits mountainous conifer and oak forests in the westerly U.S. , feeding on fruits , acorns , and germ . It is known for its strong flight and deep , low - cant calls that resound through forested canyons . It often trip in small flocks , particularly during fall migrations .
In Texas , the Band - tailed Pigeon is conceive a very uncommon visitor , primarily immortalise in the far western mountains of the Trans - Pecos region . Most sightings are sporadic and not significative of a regular presence , have it a prized specie for serious birders lucky enough to run across one .
White-crowned Pigeon (Patagioenas leucocephala)
The White - top Pigeon is a sleek , tropic pigeon with a dark grayish body , iridescent neck , and a striking white cap on its headland . Its expectant center are surrounded by bare reddish pelt , adding to its distinctive appearance . The bird is know for hard flight and shy , elusive deportment .
This mintage is typically found in coastal mangroves , subtropic hardwood wood , and island home ground , where it feeds onfruits and seeds from native trees . It nests in dense foliage and often transpose long distances between feeding and nesting sites . Its vocalization is a deep , booming “ coo ” unlike that of other pigeon .
In Texas , this species is an accidental visitor , with only a few rarified records primarily along the Gulf Coast . These sighting are likely due to storm displacement or strange weather condition pattern . While usual in southerly Florida and the Caribbean , it remains extremely rarified in Texas and is not considered a regular part of the res publica ’s avifauna .
Passenger Pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius)
The Passenger Pigeon was once among the most abundantbird speciesin North America , known for forming troop so monumental they darken the sky . It had a long posterior , slate - bluing back , and chestnut tree breast , with males more brightly colored than female person . The species nested and trip in Brobdingnagian Colony .
These pigeons primarily lived in deciduous timber and roosted in tremendous figure , feast on acorns , chestnuts , and other forest mast . Despite their vast population , they were hunt relentlessly for food and sport . Habitat passing further speed up their declination , take to extinguishing by the early 20th one C .
In Texas , historical records show that Passenger Pigeons once migrate through the eastern portion of the state in large passel . However , the last confirmed wild soul was buck in 1901 , and the final enwrapped doll died in 1914 . Today , they are think of as a cautionary tale of human impact on wildlife .
