Doves in Texas at a Glance
Texas has a large and varied bird list, with more than 600 species recorded, and doves and pigeons are among its most familiar birds. They belong to one family (Columbidae). Some are widespread and common at backyard feeders, while others are limited to South Texas brush country or the western mountains.
The doves and pigeons most Texans are likely to see are:
- Mourning Dove
- White-winged Dove
- Eurasian Collared-Dove
- Inca Dove
- Rock Pigeon (the city pigeon)
Less common species include the White-tipped Dove, Common Ground-Dove, Band-tailed Pigeon, and Red-billed Pigeon.
Native Game Doves
Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove is widespread and abundant in Texas. It has a slim body, a small head, a long pointed tail with white edges, and soft gray-brown plumage with black spots on the wings. Its wings often make a whistling sound on takeoff, and its song is a soft, mournful cooing. It feeds mostly on seeds, often on the ground.
White-winged Dove
White-winged Doves are larger and stockier than Mourning Doves, with a squared-off tail and a bold white stripe along the edge of the wing, easy to see in flight. They have a bright blue patch of skin around the eye. Once more associated with South Texas, they have spread into many cities and towns farther north.
White-tipped Dove
The White-tipped Dove is a secretive, ground-dwelling bird of South Texas thickets and woodlands. It is warm brown and gray with white tips on its tail feathers. Feeding quietly on the forest floor, it is much easier to hear than to see.
Other Native Doves and Pigeons
- Inca Dove: a small, long-tailed dove whose feathers have a scaly look. It is common in towns and suburbs across much of Texas, often seen in pairs near feeders and on bare ground.
- Common Ground-Dove: tiny, close to the size of a sparrow, with a short tail, scaly breast, and reddish wing patches when it flies. It is found in the southern half of the state.
- Band-tailed Pigeon: a large woodland bird found in mountain forests of far West Texas.
- Red-billed Pigeon: a rare species found mainly along the Lower Rio Grande Valley, of high interest to visiting birders.
Introduced Species
Eurasian Collared-Dove
This pale, gray-buff dove is larger than a Mourning Dove, with a thin black half-collar on the back of its neck and a squared tail. It is not native. It spread widely across North America after introductions in the Caribbean and is now common in Texas towns and farm country.
Rock Pigeon
The familiar city pigeon, also introduced, comes in many color patterns, from blue-gray with dark wing bars to white, brown, and checkered. It is mostly found around buildings, bridges, and farms.
How to Tell Texas Doves Apart
Check these features in order:
- Size. Ground-doves are sparrow-sized; Inca and Mourning Doves are small to medium; White-winged and Eurasian Collared-Doves are larger; pigeons are the biggest.
- Tail shape. A long, pointed tail suggests a Mourning Dove. A squared tail suggests a White-winged or Eurasian Collared-Dove. A long, squared tail with white edges suggests an Inca Dove.
- Neck and wing marks. A black collar means Eurasian Collared-Dove. A bold white wing edge means White-winged Dove. Black spots on the wing point to Mourning Dove.
- Overall look. A scaly pattern suggests Inca Dove or Common Ground-Dove.
The Cornell Lab’s Project FeederWatch also has a helpful page on separating the three most common doves.
Doves in Your Yard
Most doves feed on the ground or on platform feeders. Millet, cracked corn, and black oil sunflower seed are all commonly used (see which seeds birds prefer). Scattering seed on the ground or using a wide tray feeder suits them better than small hanging perches. Clean feeders and seed areas regularly, since doves and pigeons can be affected by diseases that spread where food gets damp or moldy. For the other birds that visit Texas yards, see common backyard birds in Texas.
Legal Status and Hunting
Mourning Doves and White-winged Doves are game birds in Texas and are managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), with set hunting seasons and bag limits. Many other native doves and pigeons are protected and are not hunted. Eurasian Collared-Doves and Rock Pigeons are non-native, but regulations can change. Always check the current TPWD outdoor annual before hunting or handling any dove.
FAQ
Are there Mourning Doves in Texas?
Yes. The Mourning Dove is one of the most common and widespread birds in Texas.
Are Mourning Doves protected?
Mourning Doves are protected under federal law as migratory birds, but they are also managed as a game species, so regulated hunting is allowed in season. See the current TPWD regulations for details.
What is the difference between doves and pigeons?
There is no firm scientific distinction. Both belong to the same family, and the names are used loosely. “Dove” is usually applied to smaller, slimmer species, and “pigeon” to larger, stockier ones.
Can doves be kept as pets?
Domesticated doves, such as those bred in captivity, are kept as pets. Wild native doves are generally protected by law, and it is illegal to take or keep them without proper permits. If you find an injured or young bird, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
How many bird species are there in Texas?
More than 600 species have been recorded in the state, which is more than in most others.