White-winged doves are beautiful birds that are native to the southern United States. With their snowy white wings and soft coos, it’s understandable why some people consider keeping them as pets. However, while white-winged doves may seem like they would make for a unique companion, there are several important factors to consider before bringing one home.
What are white-winged doves?
White-winged doves (Zenaida asiatica) are medium-sized doves that are native to the southern United States as well as Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. They get their name from the large white patches on their wings that are visible when they fly. These doves have grayish-brown upper body plumage, a blue-gray head and tail, and dark eyes. Males and females have similar coloring.
White-winged doves are migratory birds that breed in the southern U.S. and northern Mexico during the summer months. They winter farther south in Mexico and Central America. Their preferred habitats are open woodlands, desert scrub, brushy areas, and agricultural fields. These doves mainly eat seeds, grains, berries, and some insects. An interesting fact about white-winged doves is that they need to drink water several times a day, unlike many other bird species.
Are white-winged doves legal to own as pets?
In the United States, white-winged doves are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act which makes it illegal to trap, kill, possess, transport, or import them or their parts (feathers, nests, eggs) without the proper permits. This federal law covers most native bird species.
However, white-winged doves are sometimes bred in captivity and sold through breeders or pet stores. So it is legal to own a white-winged dove as a pet if it is captive-bred. You need to make sure any white-winged dove you buy already comes with proof that it is captive bred and was not taken from the wild illegally.
Are white-winged doves social pets?
In the wild, white-winged doves live in large flocks and are very social with each other. This makes them more suitable as pets than less social dove species. However, their social needs still require some special care when kept as pets.
White-winged doves will become strongly bonded with their owners and desire a lot of interaction. If left alone too much, they may become depressed. It is best if they are kept with at least one other dove as a companion. A single dove will see its owner and human family as their “flock.”
With regular gentle handling and interaction, white-winged doves can become quite tame and comfortable around people. Their soft coos and murmurs are pleasant to have around. However, they generally don’t like being petted or handled extensively.
What’s required to care for a pet white-winged dove?
Here are some key elements for properly caring for white-winged doves as pets:
- A roomy cage or aviary – Minimum dimensions should be about 3 feet by 2 feet by 5 feet tall for 1-2 birds.
- Proper perches – Natural tree branches of varying widths.
- Nesting area – A nesting box or platform should be provided.
- Bathing water – A bird bath or dish of water for bathing daily.
- Direct sunlight exposure – Natural light is essential, place cage near a sunny window.
- A balanced seed diet – Specialized dove seed mixes are commercially available.
- Grit – Doves need grit to help digest their food, supplementation required.
- Regular cleaning – Thorough scrubbing and disinfection of the cage, perches, food/water dishes every 1-2 weeks.
- Yearly vet check-ups
- Exercise time – Doves should be allowed supervised time out of cage daily to exercise their wings.
In addition to their housing setup, you’ll need to dedicate time each day for interacting with your doves. Spending time playing, handling, and bonding with them is key for their well-being. Leaving a radio or TV on provides them with environmental sounds and stimulation when alone.
What health issues are common with white-winged doves?
For the most part, white-winged doves are fairly hardy birds when cared for properly. However, there are some health conditions they may be prone to including:
- Obesity – From overfeeding and lack of exercise. Maintain a proper diet and enable daily flying exercise.
- Egg binding – Difficulty passing eggs in breeding females. Can be fatal if not treated promptly by a vet.
- Gastrointestinal issues – Due to inappropriate diet, bacteria, or parasites. Signs include diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss.
- Feather plucking – Results from boredom, stress, poor nutrition, or medical disorder. Needs to be addressed immediately.
- Respiratory infections – Common illness from bacteria or virus. Cause wheezing, discharge from eyes/nose.
- Predation – Outdoor birds vulnerable to predators like hawks, snakes, cats, raccoons.
It’s advisable to find an avian vet you can take your doves to for any health issues, injuries, or emergencies. Annual wellness exams are also recommended. Look for signs of illness and monitor their droppings daily.
| Health Issue | Signs & Symptoms | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Obesity | Excess fat deposits, inactivity, poor flight ability, heavy breathing | Improve diet, increase exercise opportunities |
| Egg binding | Straining to lay eggs, sitting fluffed up, loss of appetite | See an avian vet immediately |
| Gastrointestinal disorder | Diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss | Take dove to vet for diagnosis and treatment |
| Feather plucking | Missing patches of feathers, exposed skin | Identify and remove causative factors |
| Respiratory infection | Nasal discharge, swollen eyes, wheezing | Antibiotics from avian vet to treat infection |
What’s the ideal white-winged dove diet?
White-winged doves eat mainly seeds, grains, and plant matter in the wild. As pets, they should be fed a quality seed mix specifically formulated for doves. Look for a mix with 12-16% protein and containing seeds like millet, milo, safflower, and sunflower.
Supplement the seed diet with a variety of fresh veggies and fruits daily. Some good options are kale, carrots, peas, apples, melon, peppers, squash, and berries. Fresh water should always be available. Change food and water daily and keep dishes very clean.
Doves also need a calcium and vitamin supplement as well as grit to help them digest food. Schedule feedings twice per day and remove any old food between feedings. Uneaten fresh foods should be discarded daily. A mineral block can also be provided for them to peck at.
Monitor your doves’ weight and adjust food amounts to maintain a healthy size. Overweight doves are prone to many health issues. An overweight dove will have a very rounded, thick body shape.
Sample Daily Diet for Pet White-Winged Doves
- Morning – 1-2 tablespoons of dove seed mix. Water for drinking.
- Midday – Leafy greens like kale or spinach, other chopped vegetables, berries. Water.
- Evening – 1-2 tablespoons of dove seed mix. Supplements added. Water.
Are white-winged doves noisy pets?
One appealing quality of white-winged doves is that they are relatively quiet as far as pet birds go. Males will make theircooing call most actively during breeding season to attract females. But overall, these doves are not particularly noisy.
Their calls are described as soft, low coos, squeaks, and moans. The sounds are pleasant and soothing. Males may do a louder coo-OO-woo courtship song directed at a female. While not silent pets, white-winged doves don’t have loud constant squawking or screeching vocalizations.
However, all doves vocalize more frequently in the morning and evening hours. Housing them in an out of the way area of your home can help minimize any noise. Their subtle, gentle vocalizations can be quite appealing ambience for many pet owners.
Can white-winged doves be housed with other pets?
White-winged doves can be prey for many types of household pets. Dogs, cats, and other birds may instinctively view the doves as prey and harm them. It’s best to house white-winged doves securely separated from other household pets.
With proper precautions, some household pets can co-exist peacefully with doves. With cats, provide the doves with an enclosure that prevents access by cats both when home and when away. Dogs must be carefully supervised and trained to leave the doves alone.
White-winged doves can potentially be housed with certain other docile bird species. Finches and softbills like doves and canaries may get along well. But all birds should be monitored for signs of aggression or stress when newly combined.
Can white-winged doves be housed outdoors?
In most areas, white-winged doves are only suitable to keep indoors as pets. These doves do not tolerate cold temperatures well at all. They require the controlled climate of an indoor environment.
In warmer southern climates like Florida or California, an outdoor enclosure may work during certain times of the year. The habitat would need robust shelter, heating, and security from predators. But taking the doves back indoors for cold months is recommended. Supervision would still be required outdoors.
Free flight exercise is possible with some careful dove training. But the doves need to be raised indoors from a young age. Even then, any unsupervised outdoor time risks the birds not returning or escaping.
Can white-winged doves be potty trained?
It is possible to potty train white-winged doves to some degree, though challenging. The key is encouraging them to use a particular perch or area through consistency.
Place a tray with an absorbent pad under their favorite perches. Change the pads often to keep the area clean. You can try placing their food near the desired potty area. Using a whistle or word when you see them using the area can help reinforce it.
Be aware that doves will still poop elsewhere at times too. But with patience you may be able to potty train them to use a specific corner which helps keep their housing tidier.
How much do white-winged doves cost?
If buying from a breeder, white-winged doves usually cost between $50 and $300 depending on age, color mutation, and rarity. White color mutations are especially prized. Show quality birds with excellent markings or form can sell for prices up to $500 and beyond.
Pet stores sell captive-bred white-winged doves ranging from $30 to $100 typically. Prices are often lower for younger, unsexed birds. Vet exams, vaccinations, supplies, and housing will be additional costs.
Adoption is sometimes an option as well. Bird rescue organizations may have white-winged doves in need of new homes in some cases. The adoption fee is usually under $100.
Are white-winged doves able to talk?
No, white-winged doves are unable to mimic speech like some parrot species can. Doves lack the vocal anatomy to produce the variety of sounds needed for imitation of human words and phrases.
While incapable of speaking themselves, white-winged doves can be responsive to human voices. With time, they recognize their names being called and learn vocabulary words like “food” and “water” that are associated with rewards.
How long do white-winged doves live?
In the wild, white-winged doves generally live 2 to 4 years on average. When kept as pets, they have significantly longer lifespans of 10 to 15 years and sometimes reach 20 years or more.
Providing excellent care, nutrition, housing, and veterinary care enables pet doves to live many years longer than their wild counterparts. Records show white-winged doves having lived up to 22 years in captivity.
Signs of a healthy white-winged dove
Here are some signs that indicate your white-winged dove is in good health:
- Active, energetic movement and behavior
- Bright, alert eyes and head movements
- Good appetite and drinking regularly
- Healthy skin and full, preened feathers
- Clean, solid droppings with white coating
- Normal respiratory rate and no nasal discharge
- Dry nares and no swelling around eyes
- Proper weight maintenance
- Regular bathing and preening
Weigh your dove regularly and watch for any deviations from normal in plumage, behavior, droppings and other signs. Schedule annual exams with an avian vet.
Conclusion
White-winged doves can make pleasant, rewarding pets for an owner willing to properly care for their unique needs. Their attractive appearance, gentle nature, and quiet coos are endearing qualities.
However, white-winged doves do require specialized housing, a balanced diet, ample attention and veterinary care. They are social flock birds that depend on interaction with owners for companionship and entertainment in lieu of a dove partner. Their care is complex and they have a long lifespan commitment.
With appropriate expectations and preparation, the white-winged dove can be a beautiful addition to your home. For the right owner, their delicate charm and peaceful presence make the efforts worthwhile.
