White-winged Dove
Zenaida asiatica
They are essential pollinators of the Saguaro cactus, often emerging from the flowers with faces covered in yellow pollen.
- Scientific name
- Zenaida asiatica
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Columbiformes › Columbidae › Zenaida
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- increasing
- Biome
- desert
- Habitat
- Desert scrub, thorn forests, citrus groves, and urban residential areas.
- Diet
- Primarily seeds and grains, but heavily reliant on cactus fruit and nectar during summer months.
- Range
- Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean Islands
- Size
- Length: 29 cm; Wingspan: 48-58 cm; Weight: 150g
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation, pesticide exposure, and lead poisoning from ingesting spent hunting shot.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. These birds are skittish; observe from a distance to avoid flushing them. Avoid feeding bread, as it lacks nutrition. If found injured, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
The white-winged dove ( Zenaida asiatica ) is a dove whose native range extends from the south-western United States through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. In recent years with increasing urbanization and backyard feeding, it has expanded throughout Texas, into Oklahoma, Louisiana and coastal Mississippi. It has also been introduced to Florida.
Photo: MarvalPhotography19, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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