Common Ground-Dove or Inca Dove?
Here's how to tell the difference
Common Ground-Dove
Inca Dove
Common Ground-Dove
Columbina passerina
General appearance
The common ground-dove has a small and short-tailed physique, measuring around 6 1/2 inches in length. They typically feature a scaly pattern on their chest and head. Their bill has a pink base and their wings often display a bright rusty red. When in flight, their short black tail reveals pale corners.
Male vs female
The sex of the common ground-dove is not distinctively distinguishable. Both males and females share similar physical traits such as short-rounded tails and short-rounded wings. However, the males may have more vibrant coloration across the wings. The color variations include black, brown, grey, pink, and red.
Juvenile
Juvenile common ground-doves may initially have a short tail and also display the characteristic scaly pattern. Over time, their tail grows and they adopt the standard appearance of the adult ground dove. Juveniles are similar in size to a sparrow, while adult ground doves are about the size of a robin.
Size
5.9 - 7.1 in/1.0 - 1.4 oz
There's more to learn about Common Ground-Dove
View full detailsInca Dove
Columbina inca
Also known as: Mexican Dove
General appearance
The Inca dove has a distinctive small body that is 20 cm long and has a long tail. The overall coloration is a mix of black, brown, gray, and red, with a dark scaly pattern covering its body. The rounded wings produce a dry rattle sound upon takeoff while presenting a rusty red feather display. Additionally, this dove possesses white outer tail feathers and a square-tipped, long tail.
Male vs female
There are no significant physical distinctions between male and female Inca doves. Both sexes share the same body size, coloration, and distinctive tail and wing features. Females may appear slightly lighter in color, but this is often not a reliable trait for identification.
Juvenile
The juvenile Inca Dove looks comparable to the adult, but exhibits a somewhat scaly appearance. Its resemblance to the Mourning Dove's juvenile stage can lead to misidentification. However, distinguishing features for young Inca doves include their long tails in comparison to the short tails of Common Ground Doves. Further, they display a red wing flash in flight.
Size
7.1 - 9.1 in/1.1 - 2.0 oz
There's more to learn about Inca Dove
View full detailsHow to tell the Common Ground-Dove from the Inca Dove
Visual differences
Common Ground-Doves are smaller, about 6.5 inches long, with a short tail. They have a scaly pattern on their chest and head, a pink-based bill, and bright rusty red wing patches. Inca Doves are larger, around 8 inches long, with a long, square-tipped tail. They feature a scaly pattern all over and produce a rusty red flash in flight. Key differences include the Common Ground-Dove's short tail and small size versus the Inca Dove's longer tail and overall larger body. Both share rust-red in their wings but differ in tail size and shape.
Key differences and behavior
The Common Ground-Dove and Inca Dove exhibit distinct behaviors and habitat preferences. Common Ground-Doves, measuring 6-7 inches, prefer semi-open areas like farms and pine woods, feeding primarily on ground seeds. In contrast, Inca Doves, at 7-9 inches, thrive around human dwellings and urban areas, often forming "pyramid roosts" for warmth. While both doves consume seeds, Inca Doves may also eat cactus fruits. During courtship, Common Ground-Doves show elaborate chest puffing and mutual preening, whereas Inca Doves include tail fanning and building twig nests in trees or buildings. Both participate in chick feeding but Inca Doves notably use crop milk.
Still not sure? Here are more lookalikes!
Common Ground-Dove vs Mourning Dove
Inca Dove vs Mourning Dove
Common Ground-Dove vs [Select a bird]
[Select a bird]
Pick a bird to compare
Inca Dove vs [Select a bird]
[Select a bird]
Pick a bird to compare