Band-Tailed Pigeon vs White-Winged Dove

Band-Tailed Pigeon

Patagioenas fasciata

How to recognise a band-tailed pigeon?

General appearance

The band-tailed pigeon is a large, vibrant bird measuring around 14-15 1/2 inches or 36-39 cm. It showcases striking coloration, showcasing black, gray, purple, white, and yellow hues. A notable physical trait is the narrow white band across its nape. The bill base is yellow, while the tail possesses a broad gray band. The pigeon's head and chest are clothed in purplish-pink colors, and its neck displays hints of green iridescence.

Male vs female

There is no significant physical difference in color and size between male and female band-tailed pigeons that can be used for easy identification in the wild. Both genders exhibit similar coloration and physical features.

Juvenile

Juveniles of this species exhibit subtle differences compared to adults. They lack the distinguishing narrow white band across the nape which is a key characteristic of mature band-tailed pigeons. With time, as they mature, they will gradually acquire the vibrant adult coloration and physical traits.

Size

12.6 - 15.7 in/12.1 - 12.8 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The band-tailed pigeon primarily inhabits oak woodlands, foothills, chaparrals, and mountain forests. Its habitat is mainly wooded or semi-open, adjusting to changes in food supplies.

Additional range

Its range includes coastal and mountainous regions, pine-oak woods, and fir forests. It may also be found foraging along streams in lowland deserts and is increasingly typical in suburban areas on the Pacific Coast.

Range Map

What do band-tailed pigeons like to eat?

Natural diet

The band-tailed pigeon's natural diet primarily consists of seeds, berries, and fruits. They often consume acorns, pine nuts, and the seeds of various trees such as oaks. These pigeons also eat juniper berries and manzanita fruits when available. They may occasionally consume insects and small invertebrates, but they are predominantly herbivorous.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, band-tailed pigeons are attracted to a variety of seeds and grains. They often consume cracked corn, sunflower seeds, and millet. While less common than smaller birds, they can be frequent visitors where large platform feeders are provided, as these can accommodate their size and feeding behavior.

What does a band-tailed pigeon sound like?

The band-tailed pigeon typically expresses deep, owl-like vocalizations, a distinct "whoo-hoo" sounding call. This call follows a flat, undulating pattern, which adds depth to its communication range. The pigeon also employs two primary types of calls for different circumstances. The common hoot for regular communication and a unique, more urgent scream for alarming situations. Furthermore, it's worth noting that the band-tailed pigeon doesn't have a diverse song range compared to other bird species. The pigeon's vocal repertoire primarily comprises these signature calls, making their sound quite recognizable.

Call

Audio by Niels Krabbe

/ CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

Song

Audio by Niels Krabbe

/ CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

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White-Winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

How to recognise a white-winged dove?

General appearance

The White-winged Dove has a bulky body with short tail and measures approximately 12 inches or 30 cm in length, which is about the size of a crow. Its most distinctive characteristics are its big white wing patches and white tips on outer tail feathers. These features are most visible during flight. The dove has a broad, pointed wing shape and a rounded, square-tipped tail. The color varies from black, blue, brown, to gray and white.

Male vs female

Male and female White-winged Doves are similar in appearance. They both share the same unique coloration and physical traits, including the noticeable white markings on the wings and tail. Any differences between the genders are minimal and not easily discernible.

Juvenile

Juvenile White-winged Doves do not possess the vibrant and stark coloration seen in adults. Instead of the wide range of colors observed in adults, they are generally more brown, serving as a form of camouflage. However, as they grow and mature, they'll acquire the full array of adult coloration.

Size

11.0 - 11.8 in/4.4 - 6.6 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The white-winged dove occupies semi-open habitats in the southwest of the U.S., including native brushlands in Texas, southwest deserts, chaparral, and open oak woods.

Additional range

Adaptive to modified environments, they inhabit farmlands, suburbs, citrus groves, and grassland tree plantings. In winter, those north of Mexico are found primarily in towns.

Range Map

What do white-winged doves like to eat?

Natural diet

The white-winged dove primarily consumes a diet consisting mostly of seeds from various wild plants. Additionally, it feeds on some cultivated grains. When available, it may also eat acorns. The dove's diet includes fruits, with a preference for those of cactus, as well as smaller berries. Occasionally, it will visit large flowers, seemingly to consume nectar.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, white-winged doves are commonly observed consuming seeds, particularly those from sunflower seeds, milo, millet, and cracked corn. Their adaptability allows them to take advantage of a variety of feeder offerings similar to their natural diet preferences.

What does a white-winged dove sound like?

The white-winged dove typically has a unique drawn-out "hooo-hooo-ho-hooo" or "who-cooks-for-you" call pattern. This sound is falling and flat in nature. The dove's calls are classified as a type of hoot, which is considered odd when compared to other birds' vocalizations. It uses these vocal sounds to communicate with others in its species.

Call

Audio by Richard E. Webster

/ CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Song

Audio by Richard E. Webster

/ CC BY-NC-ND 2.5

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Band-Tailed Pigeon

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White-Winged Dove

Band-Tailed Pigeon

Patagioenas fasciata

General appearance

The band-tailed pigeon is a large, vibrant bird measuring around 14-15 1/2 inches or 36-39 cm. It showcases striking coloration, showcasing black, gray, purple, white, and yellow hues. A notable physical trait is the narrow white band across its nape. The bill base is yellow, while the tail possesses a broad gray band. The pigeon's head and chest are clothed in purplish-pink colors, and its neck displays hints of green iridescence.

Male vs female

There is no significant physical difference in color and size between male and female band-tailed pigeons that can be used for easy identification in the wild. Both genders exhibit similar coloration and physical features.

Juvenile

Juveniles of this species exhibit subtle differences compared to adults. They lack the distinguishing narrow white band across the nape which is a key characteristic of mature band-tailed pigeons. With time, as they mature, they will gradually acquire the vibrant adult coloration and physical traits.

Size

12.6 - 15.7 in/12.1 - 12.8 oz

There's more to learn about Band-Tailed Pigeon

View full details

White-Winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

General appearance

The White-winged Dove has a bulky body with short tail and measures approximately 12 inches or 30 cm in length, which is about the size of a crow. Its most distinctive characteristics are its big white wing patches and white tips on outer tail feathers. These features are most visible during flight. The dove has a broad, pointed wing shape and a rounded, square-tipped tail. The color varies from black, blue, brown, to gray and white.

Male vs female

Male and female White-winged Doves are similar in appearance. They both share the same unique coloration and physical traits, including the noticeable white markings on the wings and tail. Any differences between the genders are minimal and not easily discernible.

Juvenile

Juvenile White-winged Doves do not possess the vibrant and stark coloration seen in adults. Instead of the wide range of colors observed in adults, they are generally more brown, serving as a form of camouflage. However, as they grow and mature, they'll acquire the full array of adult coloration.

Size

11.0 - 11.8 in/4.4 - 6.6 oz

There's more to learn about White-Winged Dove

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How to tell the Band-Tailed Pigeon from the White-Winged Dove

Visual differences

The Band-Tailed Pigeon is larger, measuring 14-15.5 inches, compared to the White-Winged Dove's 12 inches. The pigeon features purplish-pink on the head and chest, a narrow white band on the nape, and a yellow bill base, with a broad gray tail band. In contrast, the dove displays large white wing patches and white tail tips, most visible in flight. It has a bulkier body and shorter tail, with plumage ranging from black, blue, and gray tones. Both species lack noticeable gender differences and exhibit more drab juveniles.

Key differences and behavior

Band-Tailed Pigeons and White-Winged Doves exhibit distinct behaviors and preferences in their natural habitats. Both can suck water without lifting their heads and feed young with crop milk. Band-Tailed Pigeons tend to travel up to three miles for food, primarily in oak woodlands and mountain forests, while White-Winged Doves inhabit semi-open areas, brushlands, and urban spaces. Band-Tailed Pigeons have a preference for seeds, berries, and pine nuts, whereas White-Winged Doves primarily consume seeds and grains, favoring cactus fruits. During courtship, Band-Tailed Pigeons display with upward flights and wheezing calls, often nesting in loose colonies in trees. White-Winged Doves court with cooing calls and loud wing sounds, usually nesting in dense shrubbery or trees. Both species visit bird feeders for seeds but differ in travel habits and specific dietary preferences.

Still not sure? Here are more lookalikes!

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Band-Tailed Pigeon or White-Winged Dove?

Band-Tailed Pigeon

How to recognise a band-tailed pigeon?

Habitat

What do band-tailed pigeons like to eat?

What does a band-tailed pigeon sound like?

Call

Song

There's more to learn about Band-Tailed Pigeon

White-Winged Dove

How to recognise a white-winged dove?

Habitat

What do white-winged doves like to eat?

What does a white-winged dove sound like?

Call

Song

There's more to learn about White-Winged Dove

Band-Tailed Pigeon

There's more to learn about Band-Tailed Pigeon

White-Winged Dove

There's more to learn about White-Winged Dove

How to tell the Band-Tailed Pigeon from the White-Winged Dove

Visual differences

Key differences and behavior

Still not sure? Here are more lookalikes!

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