WHITE-TIPPED DOVE

(Leptotila verreauxi)

eBird gives this description of the White-tipped Dove:  Plump, pale dove that is medium-brown above and paler grayish-tan below with red legs. The face is white with a pale eye. Named for white corners on tail, seen in flight. In flight, also note rufous underwings. Shorter-tailed than Mourning Dove, without black spots on wings. Common and widespread throughout Central and South America. Found in wooded habitats. Occasionally at bird feeders, otherwise shy; sticking to the ground inside forest. Low cooing song starts with an introductory hoot followed by a longer hollow note.  All About Birds provides this description of the White-tipped Dove:  The White-tipped Dove is the most widespread dove in the Americas. It is an unobtrusive bird typically found on the ground in woodlands. In the United States, it occurs only in southernmost Texas, where it frequents woodlands along the lower Rio Grande Valley. Unlike many other doves, it does not flock, instead foraging singly or in pairs, walking along on the ground or low vegetation in search of seeds and berries. Their low cooing, like the sound of blowing on a bottle, is often heard before they are seen.

I saw a number of White-tipped Dove on my June 22, 2020 visit to Sabal Palm Sanctuary, south of Brownsville, Texas.  There were several around the main feeder, and I saw a number of them as I walked the trails that morning. 

White-tipped Dove at the main feeder, Sabal Palms Sanctuary, June 22, 2020.
White-tipped Dove at Sabal Palms, June 22, 2020.


“Cool Facts” About the White-tipped Dove From All About Birds

  • The White-tipped Dove is more aggressive than other doves, often chasing other White-tipped Doves while foraging on the ground.
  • Unlike other doves and pigeons, the White-tipped Dove keeps its nest extremely clean.
  • The oldest recorded White-tipped Dove was at least 9 years, 1 month old when it was recaptured and rereleased during banding operations in Texas in 2016.