4 Types of Doves in Illinois (With Pictures)
Did you know Illinois is home to over 20 doves? Three of these species are common in our skies. We’ll look at their unique features and how they enrich our birdwatching experiences.
Every dove species we meet shows off incredible beauty and diversity. We’ll share photos that highlight their unique traits. These pictures will help us recognize these lovely birds of the prairie state. Let’s explore the world of doves in Illinois!
Common Doves Found in Illinois
- Mourning Dove
- Eurasian Collared-Dove
- Rock Pigeon
- White-winged Dove
1. Mourning Dove
- Scientific Name: Zenaida macroura
- Size: 24–30 cm (9.1–11.8 in)
- Weight: 110–170 g (3.9–6.0 oz)
- Lifespan: 1–3 years (up to 8 years in the wild)
- Diet: Seeds and fruits
The Mourning Dove is a bird that many of us love to watch. It lives in different places and has interesting traits. Knowing how to spot it, where it goes, what it eats, and where to find it makes us appreciate it more.
Identification of the Mourning Dove
Identifying a Mourning Dove is easy. They have a sleek body, pinkish-gray belly, and a pointed tail. Look for dark wings and black spots on their face. These features help us spot this lovely bird.
Range of the Mourning Dove
Mourning Doves live all over North America, from the U.S. to parts of Canada. They like many places, making them common in cities and the countryside.
Diet and Foraging Habits of the Mourning Dove
These birds mainly eat seeds from grasses and other plants. They forage on the ground, which makes them easy to watch.
Where to Find Mourning Doves
You can often find Mourning Doves in backyards, parks, or open fields. They like both city and country life, adding nature to our daily lives. Watch them on telephone wires or eating on the ground.
2. Eurasian Collared-Dove
- Scientific Name: Streptopelia decaocto
- Size: 30–33 cm (11.8–13 in)
- Weight: 120–250 g (4.2–8.8 oz)
- Lifespan: 4–19 years
- Diet: Seeds, grains, and fruits
The Eurasian Collared-Dove is a fascinating bird that draws the interest of bird lovers and nature fans. It stands out with its sandy gray feathers and a unique black nape. Learning how to identify this dove helps us appreciate its role in our world.
Identification of the Eurasian Collared-Dove
This dove is medium-sized, around 12-14 inches long. Its key feature is the black “collar” at the back of its neck. Its wings are wide, and its tail is square-shaped, making its flight look elegant.
Range of the Eurasian Collared-Dove
Since the 1980s, the Eurasian Collared-Dove has spread across the United States. It started in Florida but now lives in many places. You can see them in cities, farms, and even in suburban yards.
Diet and Foraging Habits of the Eurasian Collared-Dove
These doves mainly eat seeds and grains. They often forage on the ground under bird feeders or in open fields. Their varied diet helps them live in different places, fitting their wide range of habitats.
Where to Find Eurasian Collared-Doves
If you want to see these doves, knowing where they live can make birdwatching more exciting. They like urban areas, visiting bird feeders, or resting on fences and power lines. Look for them in open fields and parks too.
| Characteristic | Eurasian Collared-Dove |
|---|---|
| Size | 12-14 inches |
| Color | Sandy gray with a black collar |
| Diet | Seeds and grains |
| Habitat | Urban areas, agricultural fields, parks |
| Flight Pattern | Graceful with broad wings |
Doves in other Regions:
3. Rock Pigeon
- Scientific Name: Columba livia
- Size: 32–37 cm (12.6–14.6 in)
- Weight: 240–380 g (8.5–13.4 oz)
- Lifespan: 3–5 years (up to 15 years in captivity)
- Diet: Seeds, fruits, and human food scraps
The Rock Pigeon is a bird that thrives in cities and other human-made environments. They stand out with their unique colors and wing bars. Their feathers can be gray, brown, or even iridescent around the neck. Spotting these colors and their stout body and short necks helps identify them.
Identification of the Rock Pigeon
Identifying Rock Pigeons is easy with their distinct features. They have small heads and pointed tails. Their sturdy build lets them move well through city streets.
Range of the Rock Pigeon
Rock Pigeons have spread widely since coming to North America. They started in Europe and Asia but now live in cities and countryside across the continent. Their ability to live in many places has made them common in cities, parks, and farms.
Diet and Foraging Habits of the Rock Pigeon
Rock Pigeon Doves of Illinois eat seeds, grains, and fruits. In cities, they look for food in the trash. Their varied diet helps them survive in different places.
Where to Find Rock Pigeons
Looking for Rock Pigeons? Check city parks, urban areas, and nearby buildings. They like places with food and safe spots to nest. In the countryside, they’re often seen near grain fields and farms.
4. White-winged Dove
- Scientific Name: Zenaida asiatica
- Size: 25–30 cm (9.8–11.8 in)
- Weight: 120–150 g (4.2–5.3 oz)
- Lifespan: 1–3 years (up to 10 years in the wild)
- Diet: Seeds, fruits, and berries
The White-winged Doves of Illinois is a bird known for its white wing patches and soft calls. It’s not just beautiful but also interesting because it can live in many places and eat different foods. Birdwatchers and nature lovers want to learn how to spot this amazing bird.
Identification of the White-winged Dove
This dove has grayish-brown feathers with a white stripe on its wings. It’s a bit big, with a sturdy body and a long tail. Adults have bright yellow eyes and make a unique cooing sound.
Range of the White-winged Dove
The White-winged Dove lives mainly in Mexico and parts of the southern U.S. This includes Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. They move around to find the best places to live, especially during breeding season.
Diet and Foraging Habits of the White-winged Dove
These doves eat seeds, fruits, and grains. They like to scratch the ground for seeds or pick up fruits from trees. This helps them survive in different kinds of farms and gardens.
Where to Find White-winged Doves
To see White-winged Doves, look for places where farms meet cities. Parks, gardens, and areas near roads are good spots. The best times to see them are early in the morning or late in the afternoon when they’re looking for food.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Plumage | Grayish-brown with white wing markings |
| Size | Medium, chunky body |
| Range | Mexico and southern U.S., including Texas and Arizona |
| Diet | Seeds, fruits, and grains |
| Habitat | Agricultural and urban areas |
The Importance of Doves in Local Ecosystems
Doves are key players in local ecosystems, boosting biodiversity and ecological health. They help plants grow and come back to life by spreading seeds. This shows how doves keep their homes balanced.
They also play a big part in local food chains. Being eaten by different animals, they link different parts of the ecosystem together. Watching these interactions helps us understand nature better.
- Doves help spread seeds, which makes plants more diverse.
- They keep food webs stable by being food for other animals.
- Learning about dove behavior makes birdwatching more rewarding.
- Doves show us how healthy their habitats are by their presence.
Having doves around makes our outdoor time richer. When we watch birds, we learn about their important roles. Their impact goes beyond just watching; it connects us to the lively world of local wildlife.
Read More 🐦Related Articles:
| Black Birds In Florida |
| Owls in Arkansas |
| Hummingbirds in Florida |
| Doves in Michigan |
| Hummingbirds in Maryland |
Conclusion
As we wrap up our look at doves in Illinois, it’s clear they are important to our ecosystems. From the Mourning Dove to the Rock Pigeon, each species adds to the beauty of our wildlife. They make nature more enjoyable and help keep ecosystems balanced.
We urge everyone to try birdwatching in Illinois. It’s a great way to see these lovely birds in their natural setting. Watching doves can be calming and fulfilling, whether you’re on a quiet morning walk or at a birdwatching event. It helps us connect more with nature and appreciate our wildlife.
Supporting local wildlife conservation is crucial for the future of doves and other native species. By joining conservation efforts, we protect the homes of these birds and keep ecosystems healthy in Illinois. Let’s all work together to keep our natural world beautiful for the future.
