Zenaida asiatica
The White-winged Dove, *Zenaida asiatica*, is a strikingly marked medium-sized dove, measuring 29-31 cm (11-12 in) in length with a wingspan of 48-53 cm (19-21 in) and weighing 120-180 grams. Its plumage is a soft gray-brown, contrasted by a diagnostic bold white patch on the outer wing, clearly visible both at rest and in flight, giving the species its common name. Other distinctive features include a bright blue fleshy eye-ring, a small iridescent purplish-green patch on the side of the nec...
Primarily found in arid and semi-arid scrublands, desert riparian zones, mesquite bosques, and increasingly, agricultural areas and urban/suburban environments. It generally inhabits low to moderate elevations, thriving where water sources are accessible.
Primarily granivorous, consuming a wide variety of seeds, grains, and fruits, with a notable preference for cactus fruits and nectar. Foraging occurs both on the ground and directly from plants, occasionally consuming small insects.
White-winged Doves are diurnal birds, often observed foraging during the day and gathering in large, sometimes immense, communal roosts in dense vegetation or trees at night. Their foraging strategy primarily involves gleaning seeds, fruits, and grains from the ground, but they are also adept at ...
The White-winged Dove's breeding range encompasses the southwestern United States, including southern California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, extending south throughout Mexico, Central America, and into parts of the Caribbean (e.g., Cuba, Hispaniola). Northern populations are migrator...
Least Concern
- White-winged Doves are crucial pollinators and seed dispersers for the saguaro cactus, a symbiotic relationship vital to the desert ecosystem. - They possess a unique physiological adaptation allowing them to drink saline water, enabling survival in arid environments where freshwater is scarce....