Bird Description

The common and familiar dove in most areas. A regular garden and feeder bird but found almost anywhere except densest forest and mountain tops. Can breed yearround. Sometimes in flocks, but more often in ones and twos, particularly summer when in pairs. Frequently sits on telegraph wires, posts, and other exposed perches; wings make whirring whistle when flying off. Feeds quietly on the ground, soon melting into the background. Jerky yet purposeful walk, head rocking backward and forward. Frequently seen in flight. Distinctive pointed tail, small head, fairly uniform coloration, and narrow-based pointed wings. Direct steady flight. Display flight is a short descending glides on more rounded wings. Song: a soft wahoo hoo hoo hoo. ID: A small-headed, slim dove with long pointed tail (some square-tailed birds due to molting or broken tail feathers). Tail has black subterminal and white terminal tips. Black-spotted wing, gray rear neck on otherwise brown bird. Ad ?: iridescent pink neck patch and warmer underparts. ?: duller and lacks iridescent neck patch. Juv: stronger face pattern and well-defined pale fringes to upperparts. Molts quickly into adult-like plumage. Extended breeding season.