Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)
White-winged Dove

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

The White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) is a robust bird, notable for its size among doves, measuring approximately 29 cm from beak to tail with a wingspan ranging from 48 to 58 cm. Its plumage is primarily brownish-gray to gray, with a striking white edge on its wings, visible even when perched. The species is adorned with a blue eyering and possesses red eyes, though juveniles display brown eyes and a duller plumage.

Identification Tips

To identify the White-winged Dove, look for the distinctive white wing patch, visible at rest and in flight, which sets it apart from similar species. Adults feature a blue, featherless skin around the eyes and a dark facial mark. Males may exhibit a more iridescent purple hue on the crown, neck, and nape, and a more pronounced ear spot, though these differences are subtle. The species has a short, rounded tail, contrasting with the long, pointed tail of the Mourning Dove.

Habitat

The White-winged Dove is found in a variety of environments, including deserts, scrubs, urban areas, and agricultural landscapes. It has adapted well to human-altered habitats and can be seen in high concentrations near sources of water and food.

Distribution

Native to the Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, the White-winged Dove's range has expanded due to human agricultural practices. It is now a year-round resident in places like Texas and has been observed as far north as Canada and Alaska.

Behaviour

This species can form migratory flocks of up to 4,000 individuals, though it is also known to overwinter in certain areas. It has a remarkable ability to fly considerable distances in search of water, but can also rely solely on the moisture found in saguaro cactus fruit.

Song & Calls

The White-winged Dove's call is reminiscent of the phrase "who cooks for you," and it also produces a series of "pep pair pooa" calls. Males use a dedicated perch for cooing, primarily during the breeding season. Nonvocal sounds include a wing whistle upon take-off and heavy wing beats.

Breeding

Breeding behavior includes males displaying with spread wings and fanned tails. The species constructs flimsy stick nests in trees and lays two cream-colored to white eggs. Nestlings can fledge as early as 2-3 months old, and families often remain together for life.

Similar Species

The Mourning Dove is similar in appearance but can be distinguished by its longer, pointed tail and lack of white wing edges. The White-tipped Dove and Eurasian Collared Dove also lack the white wing edging and have different coloration and markings.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily granivorous, the White-winged Dove feeds on seeds, grains, and fruits. It has a particular affinity for the pollen, nectar, and fruit of the saguaro cactus. In agricultural settings, it can become a pest, descending on grain crops in large numbers.

Conservation Status

Despite historical population declines due to habitat loss, hunting, and other human impacts, the White-winged Dove has shown remarkable adaptability to human environments. It is currently classified as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

White-winged Dove Sounds


Recorded by: © 
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

White-winged Doves on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Pigeons, Doves

Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Carrie
Makes you want to spot birds more
I think this app is fun. It makes you want to spot birds more so I guess in a way it encourages you to get out and about instead of sitting in front of the TV.
Amylia S
Best app for any birding person!
I love this app!! I am so addicted to it when I saw it had 3 star review I was so sad! The app is awesome!! The best app for any birding person! ❤️
Unbridled Discoveries
Great app for bird lovers
I love this app! It’s a wonderful way to track birding sessions, and also connect you with fellow birders. I also really like the unidentified bird section, it’s a great community tool to help figure out what a never-before-seen bird is!
Madstherangers
A mordern game changer
Birda is an awesome app, its updated the world of birding to the modern day with a fun and easy to use app. It’s engaging and allows positive interaction with fellow bird lovers!
Trevarthen1
Birda fan
I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
Dunners12345
Great App
Great app to use for logging and communicating with others who are interested in birds
Louise L
Easy to use and accurate
Love this app. It is easy to use and accurate, Their backup communication is really good. I noted a missing species. All through the process, I was kept informed about the progress in correcting the information. I now have the corrected, updated version. 😁 Thanks!
Hip An
Fantastic
Really enjoying Birda where I live i have a lot of Red kites really hard to photograph but I can video are you planning some place on the app where us Birda can post vids🦉🦅
Erna M
I really like Birda
I really like Birda. I also use other birding apps and have Birda with E-bird going at the same time.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.