Doves are graceful and gentle birds that can be seen in many places around the world. In Delaware, you can find 3 different species of doves: the Mourning Dove, the Eurasian Collared-Dove, and the Rock Pigeon. Each of these doves has its own unique features and habits. In this article, you will learn more about these doves and where to find them in Delaware.
Types Of Doves In Delaware
In this Delaware state, you can spot these types of beautiful doves including:
- Mourning Dove
- Eurasian Collared-Dove
- Rock Pigeon
So, let’s explore each one in detail!
1. Mourning Doves: The Most Common Dove in Delaware
The Mourning Dove is the most common dove in Delaware and the United States. It has a brownish-gray body, a black spot on the cheek, and a long pointed tail with white edges. It makes a soft cooing sound that sounds like a mournful cry, hence its name.
The Mourning Dove likes to live in open areas with some trees, such as agricultural fields, woodlands, and suburbs. It feeds mainly on seeds and grains, which it picks from the ground or from bird feeders. It often forms large flocks in winter and migrates to warmer areas.
The Mourning Dove is a symbol of peace and love in many cultures. It is also a popular game bird, as it is hunted for sport and food. The Mourning Dove is not endangered, but it faces threats from habitat loss, predators, and diseases.
2. Eurasian Collared-Dove: The Newcomer to Delaware
The Eurasian Collared-Dove is a relatively new arrival to Delaware and the United States. It was introduced in Europe and Asia in the 20th century and has spread rapidly across the country. It has a pale gray body, a black collar around the neck, and a square tail. It makes a loud and repetitive coo-coo-coo sound.
The Eurasian Collared-Dove likes to live in urban and suburban areas, where it can find food and shelter. It feeds mainly on seeds, grains, fruits, and insects, which it picks from the ground or from bird feeders. It often forms pairs or small groups and stays in the same area year-round.
The Eurasian Collared-Dove is a successful invader, as it can adapt to different environments and compete with native birds. It is not endangered, but it may have negative impacts on the ecosystem and the native species.
3. Rock Pigeon: The Familiar Dove in Delaware
The Rock Pigeon is the most familiar dove in Delaware and the world. It has a gray body, a white rump, and two black bars on the wings. It can also have various colors and patterns on its feathers, such as white, black, brown, or red. It makes a soft and low cooing sound.
The Rock Pigeon likes to live in cities and towns, where it can find food and shelter. It feeds mainly on seeds, grains, bread, and garbage, which it picks from the ground or from bird feeders. It often forms large flocks and stays in the same area year-round.
The Rock Pigeon is a domesticated bird, as it was bred by humans for thousands of years for food, sport, and communication. It is also a pest bird, as it can cause damage to buildings, spread diseases, and create messes. The Rock Pigeon is not endangered, but it may need to be controlled in some areas.
How to Spot Doves in Delaware Now that you know more about the 3 types of doves in Delaware, you may want to see them for yourself. Here are some tips on how to spot doves in Delaware:
- Look for doves in open areas with some trees, such as agricultural fields, woodlands, and parks. These are the preferred habitats of the Mourning Dove and the Eurasian Collared Dove.
- Look for doves in urban and suburban areas, where they can find food and shelter. These are the preferred habitats of the Rock Pigeon and the Eurasian collared dove.
- Listen for the distinctive cooing sounds of the doves. The Mourning Dove has a soft and mournful coo, the Eurasian Collared-Dove has a loud and repetitive coo-coo-coo, and the Rock Pigeon has a soft and low coo.
- Look for the distinctive features of the doves. The Mourning Dove has a black spot on the cheek and a long pointed tail with white edges, the Eurasian collared dove has a black collar around the neck and a square tail, and the Rock Pigeon has a white rump and two black bars on the wings.
Doves are amazing birds that can be found in many places in Delaware. They have different appearances, behaviors, and histories. They also have different roles in the ecosystem and in human culture. By learning more about these doves, you can appreciate them more and enjoy watching them in the state. For more information on the dove hunting season in Delaware, including the regulations, bag limits, and hunting areas, you can visit the official website of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).
FAQ’s:
Q1: Do doves live in Delaware?
Yes, doves can be found in Delaware. The mourning dove, in particular, is a common species in the region.
Q2: Are pigeons in Delaware?
Yes, pigeons are also present in Delaware. They are often found in urban areas and can be a familiar sight in cities and towns.
Q3: What is so special about doves?
Doves are often associated with peace, love, and innocence. They are also known for their gentle and graceful appearance, making them symbols of purity and tranquility in various cultures.
Q4: What do doves symbolize?
Doves symbolize peace, love, and harmony. In many cultures and religions, they are seen as messengers of hope and symbols of the divine. Additionally, doves are often used to represent new beginnings and the end of conflicts.
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