White-Winged Dove

Description: White-winged doves are grayish-brown with white-edge wings and blue rings around the eyes. The tail is squared off with white corners. The sexes are similar, though males are slightly larger and females are slightly duller in color. Average size: 11-12 inches. Average weight: 5-6 ounces.

Science: The breeding range is the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. Birds form large migration flocks in the fall when temperatures began to drop and winter primarily on the Pacific coast of Mexico, Central America, and South America. They are fairly adaptable and may be found in open woodlands, agricultural areas, citrus and other fruit groves, and urban areas with a decent amount of trees. They eat fruit, various seeds, and grains. Their population is stable.

Hunting: Birds are mostly pass-shot and taken incidentally by hunters seeking mourning doves. They are generally slower in flight than mourning doves. The eating quality is good: the meat is somewhat dark but mild.