Zenaida Dove

The Zenaida dove, a charming member of the Columbidae family, is a bird of modest size, measuring between 28 to 30 centimeters in length. It bears a resemblance to the mourning dove, yet it is distinguishable by its more compact stature, a shorter and more rounded tail, and a slightly darker hue. A distinctive feature of this species is the white trailing edge on its wings, which becomes visible during flight, setting it apart from the mourning dove which lacks this characteristic.

Identification Tips

When observing the Zenaida dove, look for its smaller size compared to the mourning dove, as well as the rounded tail. The white trailing edge of its wings in flight is a key identification marker. Its overall darker coloration can also aid in distinguishing it from similar species.

Habitat

The Zenaida dove is known to inhabit a variety of open and semi-open landscapes across its range. It has a particular affinity for areas where it can forage on the ground, such as clearings and the edges of woodlands.

Distribution

This dove has a breeding range that encompasses the Caribbean and extends to the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula. While John James Audubon noted its breeding in the Florida Keys, such occurrences are rare, with only three verifiable records from Florida.

Behaviour

The Zenaida dove is a resident bird, meaning it does not typically migrate and is found abundantly within its range. It is known for its mournful cooOOoo-coo-coo-coo call, which is reminiscent of the mourning dove but delivered at a quicker pace. This species is also hunted as a game bird in some locales.

Song & Calls

The call of the Zenaida dove is a sorrowful cooOOoo-coo-coo-coo, similar to that of the mourning dove but executed more rapidly.

Breeding

Breeding Zenaida doves construct a rather insubstantial platform nest in trees or shrubs, and they are also known to nest within rock crevices or on grassy vegetation in the absence of predators. Remarkably, some individuals may have up to four broods annually. The two white eggs laid by the dove hatch in about two weeks, and the fledglings leave the nest after a mere fortnight. The parents provide sustenance in the form of pigeon's milk, a nutrient-rich substance regurgitated from their crop.

Similar Species

The Zenaida dove is often compared to the mourning dove due to their similar appearance. However, the Zenaida dove can be differentiated by its smaller size, more rounded tail, and the white trailing edge on its wings during flight.

Diet and Feeding

Zenaida doves forage primarily on the ground, feeding on grains, seeds, and occasionally insects. They are often observed feeding near water sources. These doves ingest fine gravel to aid digestion and are known to consume salt from mineral-rich soils or livestock salt licks, which is believed to be beneficial for egg production and the creation of pigeon milk.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Zenaida dove as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant risk of extinction in the wild.