Doves in Indiana (4 Species You Should Know) With Photos
Doves are one of several species of birds that can be found in Indiana and other parts of the United States. These winged birds are not only interesting to watch, but also important to the health of our ecology. This guide will help you identify the four different kinds of doves that can be seen in Indiana, as well as learn about their habitats, diets, and other interesting facts.
1. Mourning Dove
Have you ever seen a slender, gray-brown bird with a long tail and a soft cooing sound? If you live in Indiana, chances are you have encountered a Mourning Dove. This bird is one of the most widespread and abundant dove species in the state, and it has some interesting features and behaviors that make it worth learning more about.
How to Identify a Mourning Dove?
Mourning Doves are easy to recognize by their slender body, soft gray-brown feathers, and a slightly pinkish hue on their chest. They also have black spots on their wings and a black ring around their eyes. Their tail is long and pointed, and it has white edges that are visible when they fly. Their name comes from their sad-sounding cooing call, which is often heard at dawn and dusk.
Where to Find Mourning Doves in Indiana?
Mourning Doves are not picky about where they live. They can be found in a wide range of environments, from open woodlands to suburban areas. They are also very adaptable and can cope with human disturbance and habitat loss. This makes them a familiar sight to Hoosiers, who can see them in their backyards, parks, or even on their daily commute. Mourning Doves are resident birds, which means they stay in Indiana all year round.
What Mourning Doves Eat and How They Forage
Mourning Doves are seed-eaters, which means they feed mainly on seeds and grains. Their diet includes a variety of plant matter such as sunflower seeds, corn, and wheat. They also eat some insects, especially during the breeding season. To forage, they often visit backyard bird feeders, where they can find plenty of food. They also perch on power lines, waiting to swoop down for a meal. They usually feed on the ground, picking up seeds with their beaks and swallowing them whole. They can store seeds in their crop, a pouch in their throat, and digest them later.
How to Attract Mourning Doves to Your Yard?
If you want to observe Mourning Doves more closely, you can try to attract them to your yard. One of the best ways to do that is to provide them with food. You can use a platform feeder or a ground feeder and fill it with seeds that they like, such as sunflower seeds, millet, or cracked corn. You can also provide them with water by using a birdbath or a shallow dish. Mourning Doves also need shelter and nesting sites, so you can plant some trees and shrubs or offer them a nest box. By doing these simple steps, you can enjoy the company of these graceful and gentle birds.
Related: Types of Doves in Kansas
2. Eurasian Collared-Dove
Have you ever seen a pale gray dove with a black ring around its neck and bright red eyes? If you live in Indiana, chances are you have. This bird is called the Eurasian Collared-Dove, and it’s a relatively new arrival in the state.
How Did It Get Here?
The Eurasian Collared-Dove is native to Europe and Asia, but it has expanded its range dramatically in the past few decades. It was introduced to the Bahamas in the 1970s, and then spread to Florida in the 1980s. From there, it colonized the rest of North America, reaching Indiana in the early 2000s.
What Does It Eat?
The Eurasian Collared-Dove is not picky about its food. It can eat seeds, fruits, and insects, depending on what’s available. It often forages on the ground, but it also likes to perch on utility wires and rooftops, where it can spot potential food sources.
Where Can You Find Eurasian Collared Doves in Indiana?
The Eurasian Collared-Dove is a common sight in urban and suburban areas of Indiana. It prefers habitats with human-made structures, such as buildings, fences, and feeders. It can also adapt to different climates and weather conditions. You can easily find it in your neighborhood, or even in your backyard.
Why Should You Care?
The Eurasian Collared-Dove is an interesting example of how a bird can invade a new continent and establish itself successfully. It may have positive or negative impacts on the native wildlife and the environment. Some people enjoy its presence, while others find it annoying.
You May Want to Read: Types Of BLUE BIRDS In Florida
3. Rock Pigeon
Identification
The Rock Pigeon, Columba livia, is a familiar sight to city-dwellers worldwide. This dove species is known for its stout body, iridescent feathers, and distinctive neck markings.
Range
Rock Pigeons are abundant in Indiana’s urban areas, where they often nest on buildings and bridges.
Diet and Foraging Habits
These adaptable birds have a varied diet, feeding on grains, seeds, and even human scraps. They are often seen scavenging for food in parks and near busy streets.
Where to Find this Bird
Rock Pigeons are commonly found in Indiana’s cities, particularly around buildings and public spaces. Keep an eye out for their distinctive cooing calls.
Must Read: Black Ducks In Michigan
4. White-winged Dove (Rare)
Identification
The White-winged Dove, Zenaida asiatica, is a rare sight in Indiana. It is distinguished by its grayish-blue body, white wing patches, and bright red eyes.
Range
White-winged Doves are not native to Indiana but may occasionally appear as vagrants. They are more commonly found in the southwestern United States.
Diet and Foraging Habits
These doves primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and insects. When they do make their way to Indiana, they are often attracted to areas with abundant food sources.
Where to Find this Bird
Spotting a White-winged Dove in Indiana is a rare occurrence. Keep an eye on local birdwatching forums and be ready to seize the opportunity when one is spotted.
FAQ’s
Q1: Does Indiana have doves?
A1: Yes, Indiana is home to several species of doves, including the Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Rock Pigeon, and, although rarely, the White-winged Dove.
Q2: How common are doves in Indiana?
A2: Doves are relatively common in Indiana, with the Mourning Dove being the most widespread and abundant species in the state. Eurasian Collared-Doves and Rock Pigeons are also frequently seen, while White-winged Doves are considered rare visitors.
Q3: Are there pigeons in Indiana?
A3: Yes, Indiana has a population of Rock Pigeons. These pigeons are often found in urban and suburban areas, particularly in cities, making them a familiar sight to Hoosiers.
Q4: Are doves and pigeons the same?
A4: Doves and pigeons belong to the same family, Columbidae, and share many similarities in terms of physical characteristics and behavior. However, they are distinct species with different traits and habits. While doves are often smaller and have a gentler appearance, pigeons tend to be larger and more robust.
Q5: What bird is Indiana known for?
A5: Indiana is known for several iconic bird species, with the Northern Cardinal being one of the most recognized and beloved. This vibrant red bird is the state bird of Indiana and is commonly seen throughout the state.
Q6: Are doves a rare bird?
A6: Doves, particularly the Mourning Dove and Eurasian Collared-Dove, are not considered rare birds in many parts of the United States, including Indiana. However, the presence of the White-winged Dove is relatively rare in Indiana, making it a less common sighting compared to other dove species.
