Doves are common birds found throughout North America. There are several species of doves, including the white-winged dove and the mourning dove. While they may look similar at first glance, there are some key differences between white-winged doves and mourning doves.
Appearance
The most noticeable difference between white-winged doves and mourning doves is in their plumage.
White-winged doves are larger than mourning doves. They measure 25-28 cm (9.8-11 in) long with a wingspan of 37-45 cm (14.6-17.7 in). Their plumage is grayish-brown overall with a pale gray head and throat. As their name suggests, white-winged doves have large white patches on their wings that are visible in flight. The undersides of their wings and tail are also predominantly white.
Mourning doves are smaller, measuring 23-34 cm (9-13 in) long with a wingspan of 37-45 cm (14.6-17.7 in). Their plumage is light gray or brownish-gray overall with black spots on the wings. The throat and breast are a pinkish-buff color. The undersides of the wings have large black spots, and the tail has a white-tipped edge.
Behavior
White-winged doves and mourning doves exhibit some differences in behavior as well.
White-winged doves are often seen in large flocks, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, as they migrate through open habitats. They fly swiftly and directly. Their flight pattern is quick and darting compared to the slower, straight flight of mourning doves.
Mourning doves are typically non-migratory. They are most often seen alone, in pairs, or in small groups. Mourning doves have a distinctive mournful cooing sound, while white-winged doves make a series of short, whistled calls.
Habitat
White-winged doves and mourning doves occupy different habitats.
White-winged doves are found in open and semi-open areas with a mix of trees and brush. They occur in desert scrub, chaparral, and woodland habitats. During migration, they stop in fields, desert oases, scrublands, and open forests.
Mourning doves prefer open habitats with trees, shrubs, and dense ground cover. They thrive in rural settings, suburbs, and urban parks. Mourning doves are common across most of North America in habitats ranging from thickets and farmland to backyards.
Range
White-winged doves and mourning doves have different geographic breeding ranges in North America:
- White-winged doves breed in the south-central and southwestern United States and Mexico. They migrate north and east after breeding. Their migration route reaches into the southern Great Plains, Gulf Coast, and southeastern states.
- Mourning doves breed across most of the lower 48 United States, southern Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. They are resident year-round across much of their breeding range. Mourning doves that breed farther north migrate south for the winter.
There is overlap in the ranges of these two species through the southern U.S. However, white-winged doves occur in more arid, open habitats while mourning doves prefer nearby forested areas.
Nesting
The nesting habits of white-winged doves and mourning doves also differ:
- White-winged doves usually nest in trees, especially thorny trees and shrubs that provide protection. They build a flimsy platform nest of twigs.
- Mourning doves nest in trees, shrubs, or on the ground. Their nests are flimsy platforms of twigs, stems, and grasses.
- White-winged doves lay 1-3 eggs per clutch, while mourning doves lay 1-2 eggs.
- Both species incubate eggs for about 2 weeks before hatching.
Diet
White-winged doves and mourning doves have similar diets, feeding on:
- Seeds of grasses, grain, pine nuts, and other plants
- Fruits like berries
- Insects and snails
They forage for food on the ground, in trees and shrubs, and at bird feeders. Mourning doves tend to feed more on the ground while white-winged doves eat more food sources in trees and shrubs.
Identification Tips
Here are some key identification points when trying to differentiate between white-winged doves and mourning doves:
- Check for white patches on the wings – these are found only on white-winged doves
- Look at the plumage color – mourning doves are lighter gray and brown overall
- Note the body size – white-winged doves are distinctly larger
- Watch behavior – white-winged doves fly in large flocks while mourning doves are solitary or in pairs
- Listen for calls – mourning doves make a mournful coo while white-winged doves give sharp whistles
- Consider habitat – white-winged doves in arid, open areas and mourning doves in forested areas
Conclusion
Tell white-winged doves and mourning doves apart by paying attention to details like plumage colors, distinctive markings, body size, behavior, habitat, and vocalizations. With practice, birdwatchers can quickly learn to identify these common North American doves.
Observing the key field marks and understanding where each species is likely to occur makes differentiating between white-winged doves and mourning doves much easier. Both are delightful additions to backyards and open spaces across the southern U.S.
