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Similar to the resident Mourning
Dove, which is seen year-round, the "whitewing" spends the winter months
south of the border then returns to the Imperial Valley during late spring
to early fall.
It prefers less populated areas - unlike the Mourning Dove and feral Rock Dove (pigeon) which can be commonly seen in our local towns and parks. It is a popular game bird and a fast flyer that is slightly larger than the Mourning Dove. They have a white edge along their wings which becomes a broad white band in flight. |
If you are interested in learning more about this bird online - I recommend you start with the Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD. http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/Infocenter/infocenter.htmlThey present photographs, songs, identification tips, maps, and life history information for North American birds - including the White-Winged Dove
OTHER OUTSIDE LINKS FOR THIS BIRD:
White-Winged Dove - Nice photograph with brief notes displayed by the El Paso, Texas, BIONET Web site.
Desert Bird - Photo and field notes excerpt from Barbara L. Davis' book, "A Field Guide to Birds of the Desert Southwest." Includes information on this bird's love of Saguaro fruit.
The following "WAV" format sound file is copyright protected by Doug Van Gausig of Sedona, Arizona, as part of the "Sounds of Nature" Web site:
http://naturesongs.com/wwdo1.wav - White-Winged Dove call (whut, whut, wooo)
This site is maintained by:
Eldon R. Caldwell
Imperial Valley College
Email: eldonc@imperial.cc.ca.us