White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

Warm brown with a bold white wing patch visible in flight, the White-winged Dove is a common sight in the deserts and suburbs of the southern United States through Central America. Its rhythmic cooing — often described as "who cooks for you" — is a soundtrack of hot summer days. It plays a key role in pollinating saguaro cacti.

Fun Fact

White-winged Doves are important pollinators of saguaro cactus flowers — they stick their faces deep into the blooms and emerge covered in pollen.

Attributes

TypePigeon/Dove

Habitatdesert, urban

SizeMedium

Dietseeds

FlightStandard

Colorsbrown, white, gray

MigratoryYes

ContinentsNorth America, South America

Nest Typeplatform

ConservationLeast Concern

Difficulty: medium