6 Types of Doves in Georgia (Images, ID Guide and Facts)

Doves in Georgia are a delight for bird lovers. They come in different shapes, colors, and sounds. Georgia has many dove species, from the common mourning dove to the rare white-winged dove. Doves are symbols of peace and love. Their coos soothe us and connect us with nature. In this article, I will share my research on Georgia’s doves and their fascinating features.

1. Mourning Doves

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Why You’ll Love Mourning Doves in Georgia

Mourning doves are more than just birds. They are symbols of peace, love, and harmony. And they are right here in Georgia, waiting for you to discover their beauty and charm. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about these gentle creatures. You’ll be amazed by their unique features, their diverse habitats, and their sweet behaviours. Let’s get started!

How to Recognize a Mourning Dove

The first thing you’ll notice about a mourning dove is its soft, greyish-blue plumage. It looks like a delicate coat of feathers that shimmers in the sun. And then there’s the soothing cooing call that gives the bird its name. It’s a sound that can calm your mind and relax your body.

Mourning doves are medium-sized birds with slender bodies and long tails. They have striking red eyes that contrast with their pale faces. They are elegant and graceful, and they move with a sense of ease.

Where to Find Mourning Doves in Georgia

Mourning doves are very adaptable, and they can live in different habitats. You can find them in open woodlands, fields, gardens, and even urban areas. They are not picky about where they nest, as long as they have a safe and cozy spot.

These birds are also migratory, which means they travel from one place to another depending on the season. Some of them spend their summers in Georgia, while others come here for the winter. So, you can enjoy their presence throughout the year.

What Makes Mourning Doves So Special

Mourning doves are not only beautiful but also very interesting. They have some behaviours that set them apart from other birds. For example, they are very peaceful and gentle. They don’t fight with other birds, and they share their food and water sources. They are also very affectionate and devoted. They mate for life, and they have a ritualistic courtship. The males woo the females with their coos and their displays. They also help the females incubate their eggs and raise their chicks. They are truly loving parents.

2. Eurasian Collared Doves

Have you ever seen a dove with a black collar on its neck? If you have, then you’ve probably encountered a Eurasian collared dove. These doves are not native to Georgia, but they’ve made themselves at home here. In this article, you’ll learn how they got here, what they look like, and how they affect the native birds and ecosystems. Let’s dive in!

How to Spot a Eurasian Collared Dove

Eurasian collared doves are easy to recognize by their distinctive features. They are larger and sturdier than mourning doves. They have a grey plumage with a soft pink tint on their chests. And, of course, they have a black collar of feathers on their necks.

These doves also have bright red eyes that stand out against their pale faces. When they fly, you can see a white patch on their wings. They also have a different cooing call than mourning doves. It sounds like “coo-COO-coo”.

How They Came to Georgia

Eurasian collared doves are not from Georgia. They are from Europe and Asia. They came to North America in the mid-20th century. They first landed in the Caribbean and then moved to the southeastern United States. They reached Georgia in the early 2000s.

These doves are very adaptable and resilient. They can live in different habitats and climates. They can also breed quickly and produce many offspring. That’s why they’ve spread so fast and so far.

How They Affect Georgia’s Birds and Ecosystems

Eurasian collared doves have both good and bad effects on Georgia’s birds and ecosystems. On the good side, they add to the diversity and beauty of the bird population. They are a delight for bird watchers and enthusiasts. They also provide food for predators like hawks and owls.

On the bad side, they also compete with native birds, especially mourning doves. They fight for the same nesting sites and food sources. They can sometimes push out the native birds and take over their habitats.

3. White-winged Doves

Do you love doves? If you do, then you’ll be thrilled to learn about the White-winged doves. These doves are native to Georgia, and they have a stunning appearance and a lovely voice. In this article, you’ll find out what they look like, where they live, and how they compare to other doves in the state. Let’s go!

How to Recognize a White-Winged Dove

White-winged doves are easy to spot by their white wing stripes. These are the white bands of feathers that run across their wings. They look amazing when they fly, creating a sharp contrast with their grey plumage.

These doves are also larger and sturdier than mourning doves. They have crimson eyes that shine brightly. Their eyes are a sign of their beauty and their intelligence.

White-winged doves also have a melodious cooing call. It sounds like “who cooks for you”. It’s a sweet and catchy sound that adds to their charm.

Where to Find White-Winged Doves in Georgia

White-winged doves are not always in Georgia. They are migratory, which means they travel from one place to another depending on the season. They usually come to Georgia in the warmer months. They like to nest in places that have both woodlands and open areas. They are very good at building nests with twigs and branches. They also share the work of taking care of their eggs and their young ones with their mates.

How They Compare to Other Doves in Georgia

White-winged doves are not the only doves in Georgia. There are also mourning doves and Eurasian collared doves. How are they different from them?

White-winged doves are more vibrant than mourning doves. They have more white and red on their bodies. They also have a different cooing call than mourning doves. Mourning doves have a soft, mournful coo, while white-winged doves have a cheerful, musical coo.

White-winged doves are also native to Georgia, while Eurasian-collared doves are not. Eurasian collared doves came from Europe and Asia in the mid-20th century. They have a black collar on their necks, which is their main feature. They also compete with native doves for food and nesting sites.

You May Want to Read: Types of Doves in Arizona

4. Common Ground Doves

Do you like small and cute birds? If you do, then you’ll love the Common Ground Doves. These doves are the smallest of all doves in Georgia. They are shy and quiet, but they have a special charm. In this article, you’ll find out what they look like, where they live, and what challenges they face. Let’s explore!

How to Spot a Common Ground-Dove

Common Ground Doves are not easy to see, because they are very tiny and fast. They are only about 6 inches long, which is half the size of a mourning dove. They also like to stay on the ground, where they look for food.

These doves have a beautiful scaled plumage. It’s a mix of grey and tan colours, creating a mosaic-like pattern. They also have a pinkish chest that adds some colour to their body. Their cooing calls are very soft and gentle. They sound like “coo-coo-coo”.

Where to Find Common Ground Doves in Georgia

Common Ground Doves like to live in open areas, such as grasslands, farmlands, and gardens. They are not very picky about where they nest, as long as they have a safe and cozy spot. They often nest in low bushes, trees, or even on the ground.

These doves are mostly seed-eaters, but they also eat some insects. They are very good at finding food on the ground, using their quick and agile movements. They can also store seeds in their crop, which is a part of their stomach. This helps them survive when food is scarce.

What Challenges Common Ground Doves Face in Georgia

Common Ground Doves are not very common in Georgia. They are rare and elusive. They face many challenges that threaten their survival. Some of these challenges are:

Predators: Their small size and ground-dwelling nature make them easy targets for larger birds and mammals. Hawks, owls, cats, dogs, and raccoons are some of their enemies.
Habitat loss: Urbanization and agriculture can destroy their natural habitats and reduce their food sources. They can also lose their nesting sites and their shelter from predators.
Diseases: They can get sick from parasites, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These can affect their health and their reproduction.

5. Inca Doves

Have you ever seen a bird that looks like it’s wearing a scaly suit? If you live in Georgia, you might have encountered the Inca Dove, a unique and beautiful species that graces the state with its presence.

What Makes Inca Doves So Special?

Inca Doves are not your typical doves. They have several features that set them apart from other birds.

Size: Inca Doves are small and slender, about the size of a sparrow or a little bigger. They weigh only about 40 grams, which is less than a golf ball!
Plumage: Inca Doves have a soft grey color with intricate patterns on their wings and backs. The most striking feature is the black edge that outlines each feather, giving them a scaly appearance. This makes them stand out when they fly or display their feathers.
Voice: Inca Doves have a melodious and rhythmic cooing call that sounds like “no hope” or “coo-coo-coo”. They often sing in duets or choruses with other doves, creating a soothing sound in the environment.

Inca Doves are truly elegant and charming birds that add beauty and diversity to the avian world.

Where Can You Find Inca Doves in Georgia and the Southeast?

Inca Doves are native to Central America and Mexico, but they have expanded their range to the southeastern United States, including Georgia. They prefer habitats with open spaces, such as urban areas, farmlands, and scrublands. They are especially common in the southern parts of the state, where the climate is warmer and drier.

Inca Doves are not exclusive to Georgia, but they are a welcomed addition to its birdlife. They can be seen in flocks of up to 30 birds, feeding on seeds, grains, and insects on the ground. They also like to roost and nest in trees, shrubs, or buildings, often using grass and twigs to build their nests.

How Can You Help Inca Doves Thrive in Georgia and the Southeast?

Inca Doves are not considered globally threatened, and their population is generally stable. However, they face some challenges that could affect their survival.

One of the main threats is habitat loss due to urban development and agriculture. As more land is converted into housing or farming areas, the natural habitats of Inca Doves can be reduced or degraded. This can limit their food sources, nesting sites, and shelter options.

Another threat is predation by cats, dogs, hawks, owls, and other animals that prey on small birds. Inca Doves are vulnerable to attacks, especially when they are on the ground or in their nests.

To help Inca Doves thrive in Georgia and the Southeast, it is important to recognize their value and protect their habitats. Here are some ways you can do that:

Plant native trees and shrubs that provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for Inca Doves and other birds.
Avoid using pesticides and herbicides that can harm Inca Doves and their food sources.
Keep your pets indoors or on a leash when Inca Doves are around, and discourage them from hunting or chasing the birds.
Support conservation efforts that aim to preserve the natural habitats of Inca Doves and other wildlife.

By doing these simple actions, you can make a difference for Inca Doves and the environment. You can also enjoy the sight and sound of these elegant visitors in your backyard or neighborhood.

6. Band-tailed Pigeons

Have you ever seen a large and beautiful pigeon with a white band on its tail? If you live in Georgia, you might have a chance to see the Band-tailed Pigeon, a rare and remarkable species that visits the state during the winter.

How to Recognize a Band-tailed Pigeon

Band-tailed Pigeons are not like other pigeons. They have some features that make them easy to identify.

Size: Band-tailed Pigeons are big birds, about the size of a crow or a little smaller. They weigh about 300 grams, which is more than a baseball!
Color: Band-tailed Pigeons have a gray-blue color with a white crescent at the base of their tails, which gives them their name. Their eyes are a deep red, and their beaks and feet are yellow.
Sound: Band-tailed Pigeons have a loud and low-pitched cooing call that sounds like “who cooks for you”. They often call in groups or pairs, creating a distinctive sound in the woods.

Band-tailed Pigeons are truly majestic and impressive birds that add a touch of splendor to the bird world.

Where and When to Find Band-tailed Pigeons in Georgia

Band-tailed Pigeons are native to the western United States, but they have a migratory pattern that brings them to the southeastern United States, including Georgia, during the winter months.

Their presence in Georgia can often be seen in wooded areas, especially in the northern parts of the state. They love to eat fruits and berries, which are plentiful in these regions during the winter.

If you’re a bird lover, keep an eye out for these amazing pigeons during the colder months when they make their temporary homes in the state.

How to Help Band-tailed Pigeons Survive in Georgia and Beyond

Band-tailed Pigeons are not considered globally threatened, but they do face some challenges that could affect their future.

One of the main challenges is habitat loss due to logging and urban development. As more trees are cut down or cleared for buildings, the natural habitats of Band-tailed Pigeons can be destroyed or damaged. This can reduce their food sources, roosting sites, and nesting sites.

Another challenge is hunting by humans and predators. Band-tailed Pigeons are hunted for sport or food in some areas, and they are also preyed upon by hawks, owls, and other animals that eat birds. Band-tailed Pigeons are vulnerable to attacks, especially when they are on the ground or in their nests.

To help Band-tailed Pigeons survive in Georgia and beyond, it is important to respect their value and protect their habitats. Here are some ways you can do that:

Plant native trees and shrubs that provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for Band-tailed Pigeons and other birds.
Avoid using chemicals that can harm Band-tailed Pigeons and their food sources.
Keep your distance from Band-tailed Pigeons and do not disturb them when they are feeding, roosting, or nesting.
Support conservation efforts that aim to preserve the natural habitats of Band-tailed Pigeons and other wildlife.

By doing these simple actions, you can make a difference for Band-tailed Pigeons and the environment. You can also enjoy the sight and sound of these majestic visitors in your backyard or neighborhood.

FAQ’s:

What is the most common dove species in Georgia?
- The most common dove species in Georgia is the Mourning Dove.
Are doves in Georgia endangered?
- Generally, doves in Georgia are not considered endangered. However, specific species may have varying conservation statuses.
Can I keep doves as pets in Georgia?
- Yes, you can keep doves as pets in Georgia. Be sure to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits.
What do doves eat in the wild?
- Doves primarily eat seeds, grains, and small insects found in their natural habitats.
How can I attract doves to my backyard?
- You can attract doves to your backyard by providing bird feeders with seeds, grains, and freshwater. Creating a peaceful environment also helps.

6 Types of Doves in Georgia (Images, ID Guide and Facts)

1. Mourning Doves