Doves in Alabama are enchanting birds that grace the southern skies. This guide introduces you to five dove species that live in Alabama in 2023. You’ll learn how to identify them with vivid photos and helpful tips. I researched this topic thoroughly to make you a dove expert. Enjoy!

What kind of Doves in Alabama?

Alabama is a wonderful place for bird lovers. The state has many different habitats and climates that attract a variety of birds, including some beautiful and interesting doves. Doves are plump birds with short necks, small heads, and slender bills. They mostly eat seeds and are known for their peaceful and gentle nature. In this article, you will learn about five kinds of doves that live in Alabama, how to identify them, and where to find them. You will also discover some amazing facts about these birds and how they survive and thrive in the state.

1. Mourning Dove

Mourning Doves, often known as “rain doves” because of their sorrowful cooing, are one of the most frequent and easily recognizable species of doves in the state of Alabama. These little birds are famous for their calm demeanour and understated aesthetic appeal.

How to Identify:

Physical Characteristics

• Length is somewhere between 9 and 13 inches in total.
• Coloration is a light bluish-grayish brown overall, with a pronounced pinkish tint on the chest.
• Characteristics include a long, tapering tail with white margins, as well as black dots on the wings.
• The sound of a quiet, melancholy cooing that is comforting to the ears is used as the call.

Habitat and Behavior

• Mourning Doves are often found in open fields, woodlands, and suburban areas.
• They feed primarily on seeds, which make up 99% of their diet.
• These doves are skilled fliers, capable of rapid takeoffs and impressive aerial acrobatics.

Fun Fact

Did you know that the Mourning Dove is the state bird of both Wisconsin and Missouri?

Related: Doves in Florida: A Guide to the 7 Types of Doves You Can Spot

2. Rock Pigeons

Rock Pigeons, also known as city pigeons and street pigeons, are a common sight in urban areas across the state of Alabama. Other common names for these birds are pigeons. They may not be as well-known as other kinds of doves, but they have a charisma all their own that sets them apart.

How to Identify:

Physical Characteristics

• Length is around 11-14 inches in total.
• The appearance of the bird can be somewhat variable, but in general, it is grey with iridescent feathers on the neck.
• Their wings are marked with two distinct dark stripes.
• A string of coos and gentle clucking sounds should be used as the call.

Habitat and Behavior

• Rock Pigeons are able to flourish in urban surroundings, and they frequently nest on the ledges of buildings and beneath bridges.
• Their food, which consists of human garbage, grains, and seeds, makes them suited to living in urban environments.
• Rock Pigeons are famous for their homing ability, which allows them to find their way back to their nests even if they are set free in an unfamiliar location.

3. White-winged Dove

The White-winged Dove is another intriguing species found in Alabama, known for its distinctive white wing patches that set it apart from its relatives.

How to Identify:

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Approximately 9-11 inches long.
• Coloration: Pale grayish-brown with bright white wing patches.
• Markings: Reddish eyes and a blue orbital ring.
• Call: A soft, mournful cooing that differs from the Mourning Dove’s call.

Habitat and Behavior

• White-winged Doves prefer arid and semi-arid habitats, making them common in the southwestern regions of Alabama.
• Their diet consists mainly of seeds, fruits, and insects.
• These doves are known for their fast, direct flight patterns.

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4. Common Ground-Dove

As the name suggests, Common Ground-Doves are often found on the ground, foraging for seeds and small insects. Despite their diminutive size, they have a big presence in Alabama’s avian landscape.

How to Identify:

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Tiny, measuring just 6-7 inches in length.
• Coloration: Brownish-gray with a pinkish hue on the chest.
• Markings: A scaled appearance on the neck and breast.
• Call: A soft, mournful cooing, similar to the Mourning Dove.

Habitat and Behavior

• Common Ground-Doves are most frequently found in grasslands, pastures, and agricultural areas.
• They primarily feed on seeds and grains but may supplement their diet with insects.
• These doves are known for their swift, low flight patterns.

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5. Eurasian Collared-Dove

The Eurasian collared dove is a bird species that has only recently made its way to Alabama; it has only been introduced to the state within the past few decades. Despite this, it has become a prominent presence as a result of its quick spread.

How to Identify:

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Similar to the Mourning Dove, measuring around 9-13 inches.
• Coloration: Light grayish-brown with a distinctive black “collar” on the back of the neck.
• Markings: White undertail coverts and a squared-off tail.
• Call: A repetitive cooing that sounds like “coo-COO-coo.”

Habitat and Behavior

• The Eurasian Collared-Dove can frequently be seen in both urban and rural regions, where it can be seen perching on trees and power lines.
• Their food is mostly made up of different kinds of grains and seeds.
• These doves have earned a reputation for their versatility and their eagerness to investigate new environments.

Must Read: Types Of Doves That Live in Connecticut 

FAQ’s:

Q1: Are these doves unique to Alabama?

A1: While these doves can be found in other states, Alabama provides a suitable habitat for their thriving populations.

Q2: Do doves migrate in and out of Alabama?

A2: Some doves, like the Mourning Dove, are migratory and can be seen seasonally, while others are year-round residents.

Q3: Can I attract these doves to my backyard?

A3: Yes, you can by providing appropriate food, water, and shelter, but remember that wild doves should remain wild.

Q4: Are these doves endangered in any way?

A4: None of the mentioned dove species are currently listed as endangered, but their populations can be affected by habitat loss and other factors.

Q5: How can I contribute to dove conservation efforts in Alabama?

A5: Supporting local wildlife organizations, participating in citizen science projects, and promoting responsible birdwatching are excellent ways to help protect these beautiful birds.

David Cooper