How to Identify the 7 Doves of Florida?

Florida is home to many beautiful and diverse birds, but do you know which ones are doves? Doves are small to medium-sized birds that have a peaceful and gentle appearance. They are often seen in pairs or flocks, feeding on seeds, fruits, or insects. In this article, you will learn about the seven types of doves that live in Florida, and how to recognize them by their color, size, shape, and sound. You will also discover some interesting facts about their behavior and ecology. By the end of this article, you will be able to tell apart the different doves of Florida with ease. Let’s get started!

1. Mourning Dove

Have you ever heard a soft, sad cooing sound in the morning or evening? If you live in Florida, chances are you have encountered a mourning dove. These birds are one of the most widespread and familiar dove species in the state. They have a distinctive appearance and behavior that make them easy to recognize and admire.

Mourning doves have slim, streamlined bodies with pale gray-brown plumage. They have long, pointed tails with white edges that contrast with their dark wings. Their heads are small and round, with black eyes and a thin black bill. Their legs and feet are pinkish-red.

Mourning doves are named for their mournful cooing calls, which they use to communicate with each other. They often perch on wires, fences, or branches and sing their soft, melancholic songs. They also make a loud whistling sound with their wings when they take off or land.

Mourning doves are adaptable birds that can live in a variety of habitats. They are often found in urban areas, farmlands, and open woodlands. They feed on seeds and grains, which they find on the ground or in bird feeders. They are not picky eaters and will eat almost any kind of seed available.

Mourning doves are graceful flyers and can reach speeds of up to 55 miles per hour. They have strong muscles and powerful wings that allow them to quickly take off when startled. They can also perform acrobatic maneuvers and fly in tight flocks. They are migratory birds and travel south for the winter.

Mourning doves are loyal and loving birds that often mate for life. They form strong bonds with their partners and stay together throughout the year. They build simple nests of twigs and grasses, usually in trees or shrubs. They lay two white eggs and take turns incubating them. They also share the responsibility of feeding and caring for their young.

Mourning doves are fascinating birds that have a lot to offer. They are beautiful, peaceful, and intelligent creatures that enrich our lives with their presence. Next time you hear their cooing, take a moment to appreciate these amazing animals.

2. Common Ground Dove

How to Spot the Smallest Dove in Florida

You might think that all doves are big and easy to see, but that’s not true. There is one dove that is so small and shy that you might miss it. It’s called the common ground dove, and it’s the smallest dove in Florida. It has some special features that make it different from other doves. Let’s find out what they are.

Common ground doves are tiny birds that measure only 6 inches in length. That’s about the size of a sparrow. They have pinkish-gray feathers on their chest and brownish-gray feathers on their wings and back. They also have a distinctive yellow beak with a black tip that looks like a pencil.

Common ground doves like to stay on the ground, where they look for seeds and grains to eat. They are ground-feeders, just like mourning doves. They prefer to live in grasslands, open woodlands, and urban parks. They are very shy and will fly away if they feel threatened.

Common ground doves have a soft, melancholic cooing sound that they use to communicate. They sound like they are saying “no hope” or “who are you”. They also make a clicking sound with their wings when they fly.

Common ground doves are romantic birds that perform synchronized courtship displays. They mate for life and stay together throughout the year. When they want to impress each other, they bob their heads in unison. They also preen each other and cuddle.

Common ground doves are amazing birds that have a lot of personality. They are small, but they are not boring. They are shy, but they are not lonely. They are gentle, but they are not weak. Next time you see a small bird on the ground, take a closer look. It might be a common ground dove.

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3. White-winged Dove

Do you like colorful birds? If you do, you might want to meet the white-winged dove. This bird is a medium-sized dove that has a pale gray body and bold white wing patches. It also has reddish eyes and legs that make it stand out from other doves. It has a distinctive cooing call that sounds like it’s asking a question. Let’s learn more about this bird and its habits.

White-winged doves are 9-10 inches long, which makes them larger than most doves. They have a round head, a short neck, and a long tail. Their feathers are mostly gray, but they have a black band on the back of their neck and a white stripe on the edge of their wings. When they fly, they show off their white wing patches, which contrast with their dark wings.

White-winged doves have a unique cooing call that sounds like “who-cooks-for-you”. They use this call to communicate with each other and to attract mates. They also make a loud clapping sound with their wings when they take off or land. They are vocal birds and can be heard throughout the day.

White-winged doves like to live in open woodlands, scrublands, and urban areas. They are adaptable birds that can find food and shelter in different environments. They have a diverse diet that includes fruits, insects, and seeds. They especially like to eat the fruits of cacti, such as saguaro and prickly pear. They are often seen perched in trees, where they can spot predators and prey.

White-winged doves are social birds that form large flocks. They roost and feed together, and sometimes mingle with other dove species. They are monogamous birds and mate for life. They build simple nests of twigs and leaves, usually in trees or cacti. They lay two white eggs and take turns incubating them. They also share the responsibility of feeding and caring for their young.

White-winged doves are colorful and curious birds that have a lot of personality. They are beautiful, noisy, and intelligent creatures that enrich our lives with their presence.

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4. Eurasian Collared-Dove

Have you ever seen a dove with a black ring around its neck? If so, you might have encountered a Eurasian collared-dove. This bird is not native to Florida, but it has made itself at home here. How did it get here? And what makes it different from other doves? Read on to find out!

Eurasian collared-doves are pale gray birds with a distinctive black “collar” on the back of their necks. They are about 12 inches long and have a cooing call that sounds like “coo-COO-coo”. They are louder and more repetitive than other doves, so you can easily hear them in your neighborhood.

These doves are not picky about where they live. They can adapt to any habitat, from urban areas to farmlands to woodlands. They eat seeds and grains, and they breed very fast. They can have up to six broods a year, each with two eggs. That means they can quickly increase their numbers and spread to new areas.

Eurasian collared-doves are newcomers to the United States. They were originally from Asia, but they expanded their range to Europe and Africa. In the 1980s, some of them escaped from a pet shop in the Bahamas and flew to Florida. Since then, they have spread across the country and become one of the most common dove species.

5. White-crowned Pigeon

Do you know what a white-crowned pigeon is? It’s not your typical pigeon. It’s a special bird that lives in coastal areas, like the Florida Keys. It has a beautiful appearance and a vital role in nature. Let’s find out more about this bird and why it’s so amazing.

White-crowned pigeons are medium-sized pigeons with pale gray-blue feathers. They are about 12-13 inches long and have a round body and a short tail. Their most striking feature is their prominent white crown on their head, which contrasts with their dark gray face. They also have reddish eyes that give them a curious look.

White-crowned pigeons like to live near the water, where they can find food and shelter. They eat fruits, berries, and insects, and they often fly long distances to find them. They nest in mangroves, hardwood hammocks, and offshore islands. They are shy and secretive birds, and they are hard to spot.

White-crowned pigeons are important for the environment, because they help to spread seeds. They eat the fruits of many plant species, and they drop the seeds in different places. This way, they help to maintain the diversity and health of the plants in their habitats. They are also a food source for other animals, such as hawks and owls.

White-crowned pigeons are facing threats due to habitat loss. Their nesting and feeding areas are being destroyed by human activities, such as development, logging, and pollution. They are also hunted for sport and food. They are considered a vulnerable species, and they need our protection.

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6. Rock Pigeon

You might think that rock pigeons are boring and annoying birds, but they are actually very interesting and impressive. They have a variety of colors, a distinctive sound, and a strong flying ability. They also have a long and important relationship with humans. In this article, you will learn more about these urban birds and their unique characteristics.

Rock pigeons are medium-sized pigeons that have a variety of plumage colors. They are about 11 inches long and have a round body and a short tail. Their feathers can be gray, white, black, or a combination of these colors. Some of them have iridescent patches on their necks that shine in the sun. They also have red or orange eyes and feet.

Rock pigeons have a distinctive cooing call that they use to communicate with each other. They sound like they are saying “coo-coo-coo” or “coo-roo-coo”. They also make a loud clapping sound with their wings when they take off or land. They are vocal birds and can be heard throughout the day.

Rock pigeons are strong and agile fliers that can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. They have powerful muscles and wings that allow them to fly long distances and perform acrobatic maneuvers. They can also navigate their way back to their home, even if they are taken far away. They have a special sense of direction that helps them find their way.

Rock pigeons are highly adaptable and thrive in urban environments. They can live in any place that has food and shelter, such as buildings, bridges, or monuments. They eat grains and seeds, and they often scavenge in parks and plazas. They are social birds and form large flocks. They are monogamous birds and mate for life. They build simple nests of twigs and feathers, usually on ledges or roofs. They lay two white eggs and take turns incubating them. They also share the responsibility of feeding and caring for their young.

Rock pigeons have been domesticated for thousands of years and have played a crucial role in human history. They were originally from Europe, Asia, and Africa, but they were brought to America by European settlers. They have been used as pets, food, and messengers. They have carried important messages during wars and emergencies, saving many lives. They have also inspired many artists and writers, such as Pablo Picasso and Charles Dickens.

7. African Collared Doves (rare) in Florida

African collared-doves are medium-sized doves that have grayish feathers and a black “collar” on their necks. They are about 12 inches long and have a round body and a short tail. Their feathers are mostly gray, but they have a black band on the back of their neck and a white stripe on the edge of their wings. They also have red or orange eyes and feet.

African collared-doves have a soft cooing call that they use to communicate with each other. They sound like they are saying “coo-coo-coo” or “coo-roo-coo”. They are not very loud or frequent, so you have to listen carefully to hear them. They also make a loud clapping sound with their wings when they take off or land.

African collared-doves can live in different habitats, from urban areas to woodlands. They are adaptable birds that can find food and shelter in various environments. They eat seeds and grains, and they often scavenge in parks and plazas. They are social birds and form large flocks. They are monogamous birds and mate for life. They build simple nests of twigs and feathers, usually on ledges or roofs. They lay two white eggs and take turns incubating them. They also share the responsibility of feeding and caring for their young.

African collared-doves are very similar to Eurasian collared-doves, which are more common and widespread. They have almost the same appearance and behavior, and they are often difficult to tell apart. However, there are some subtle differences that can help you identify them. For example, African collared-doves have a slightly smaller size, a paler color, and a thinner “collar” than Eurasian collared-doves. They also have a different call, which is shorter and less repetitive. In Florida, dove enthusiasts can find comprehensive information on dove hunting regulations, season dates, and interactive dove field maps on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website.

FAQs

1. Are there any endangered dove species in Florida?

• As of my knowledge cutoff date in September 2021, none of the dove species mentioned in this guide were classified as endangered in Florida. However, the status of wildlife populations can change over time, so it’s essential to stay updated on conservation efforts and species assessments.

2. What is the best time to spot doves in Florida?

• Doves in Florida are active year-round, but they are most commonly seen during the early morning and late afternoon when they are feeding. Consider visiting open woodlands, parks, and urban areas during these times for the best chances of spotting them.

3. Do doves migrate in Florida?

• Some dove species, like the mourning dove, are migratory and may pass through Florida during their seasonal migrations. However, many dove species in Florida are year-round residents and do not undertake long-distance migrations.

4. Can I attract doves to my backyard?

• Yes, you can attract doves to your backyard by providing a suitable environment. Planting dove-friendly crops like sunflowers and providing access to water sources can help attract them. Additionally, offering bird feeders with seeds can be an effective way to invite doves to your yard.

5. Are there any regulations regarding hunting doves in Florida?

• Florida has specific regulations and hunting seasons for mourning doves. It’s essential to check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website for the most up-to-date information on hunting seasons, bag limits, and licensing requirements.

David Cooper