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White-tipped Dove

Leptotila verreauxi

Length: 11.5 inches Wingspan: 18 inches Seasonality: Non-resident in South Dakota
ID Keys: Gray overall with darker wings and tail, red legs, light face with red orbital ring

White-tipped Dove - Leptotila verreauxiThe White-tipped Dove is a medium-sized dove species with range that extends from South America all the way through southern Texas.  They are often somewhat secretive in the small U.S. portion of their range, preferring to use areas of dense low vegetation.  Birders unaware of their presence may be startled by the birds when they flush, as their wings produce a quite audible whistling noise when they take flight.

Habitat: In the U.S. portion of its range, they are found in areas of dense, low vegetation, such as woodlands with a dense understory, second-growth forest, or shrublands.  They can be found in a variety of woodland habitats in the rest of their New World range.

Diet: Feeds on seeds and berries, and may also feed on insects.

Behavior: Forages by walking along the ground, or less often, by foraging low in the foliage of trees and shrubs.

Nesting: The nest of a White-tipped Dove is a loose platform of sticks and plant stems, placed in the branch of a low tree or in a dense shrub.  The female lays 2 eggs, and both parents help to incubate them.  When the eggs hatch, both parents help to feed the young.

Song: The song of a White-tipped Dove is a low-pitched, haunting cooing sound

Migration: Considered a permanent resident throughout its range.

Interactive eBird map: Click here to access an interactive eBird map of White-tipped Dove sightings

Similar Species: Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Ruddy Quail-Dove

Feeders: Will attend feeders for various seeds.

Conservation Status: Populations are stable or increasing, they are found over a wide geographic area, and they are common in many parts of their range.  The IUCN lists the White-tipped Dove as a species of "Least Concern".

Further Information: 1) Audubon Guides - White-tipped Dove

2) Avian Web - White-tipped Dove

3) BirdLife International - White-tipped Dove

Photo Information: Photo licensed taken by Claudio Dias Timm - December 29th, 2009 - Tacuarembó, Uruguai - Photo licensed under Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial ShareAlike 2.0 Generic License.

 

Click below for a higher-resolution map
White-tipped Dove - Range Map
South Dakota Status: Non-resident in South Dakota

Additional White-tipped Dove Photos (coming soon!!)