white wing dove

White-winged Doves are large, chunky pigeons at 29 cm. They are brownish-gray above and gray below, with a bold white wing patch that appears as a brilliant white crescent in flight and is also visible at rest. Adults have a patch of blue, featherless skin around each eye and a long, dark mark on the lower face. Their eyes are bright red The sexes are similar, but juveniles are lighter gray than adults. They have no blue eye ring and their legs and feet are brighter pink/red. Males have a slight iridescent sheen on their heads. The cooing calls are who-cooks-for-you and hoo hoo hoo. A drawn-out "hoo-a" sound is used to tell others about the presence of a predator. Males circle females while holding up tail to display. While calling, the tail often flares. Familes and nestmates often stay together for life, perching and foraging together. White-winged Doves feed on a variety of seeds, grains, and fruits. They also visit feeders, eating the food dropped on the ground. Cracked corn is a favorite of doves.