ID Keys: Gray overall with darker wings and tail, red legs, light
face with red orbital ring
The
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.
