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Using a long‐term banding data set of white‐winged doves from across Texas collected by TPWD from 2007–2016, our objectives were to 1) estimate after‐hatch‐year (AHY) white‐winged dove primary feather molt rate and initiation, and 2) estimate hatch chronology to address the overarching question of how primary feather 2of10 | HALL ET AL.
White-winged doves are gregarious birds and often feed in large flocks. They may also practice collaborative feeding. Observations in Texas revealed that some birds were shaking seeds from a Chinese tallow tree for the benefit of those on the ground.
They inhabit a variety of environments, including desert, scrub, and urban. Their diet consists mostly of grains, but will also include pollen and nectar, especially from the saguaro cactus, which is a vital source of water. The expansion of humans has greatly affected the white-winged dove.
Western White-winged Doves are important pollinators of the saguaro cactus. This behavior serves them well since they also feed on saguaro fruits and seeds. Although they are primary seed consumers, White-winged Doves also serve as dispersers of saguaro seeds.
[Part 1] I’m seeing fewer birds in my yard. Is something affecting their populations? What can I do about a bird that sings all night long outside my window? Originally a bird of desert thickets, the White-winged Dove has become a common sight in cities and towns across the southern U.S.
White-winged Doves often eat at elevated bird feeders. They’re fond of seeds, including sunflower, milo, corn, safflower, and they may also eat berries from shrubs. White-winged Doves sometimes fly into windows when startled, so it’s important to make sure your windows are bird-safe.
This rare visitor from the Southwest is brownish-gray like a Mourning Dove but bulkier and shorter-tailed. The best field marks are the large, white upperwing patches readily visible on the folded wing and in flight, and the memorable, cooing “who cooks for you” song.
