Inca Dove Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  The Inca Dove is a small and slender dove with a long, square-tipped tail and small head. It has a thin and slightly drooping bill and short legs.

  Relative Size

  Slightly larger than a Common Ground-Dove, smaller than a Mourning Dove.

  between sparrow and robin

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 7.1-9.1 in (18-23 cm)
    • Weight: 1.1-2.0 oz (30-58 g)

  © Jeffrey Moore / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  The Inca Dove is the color of desert sands. Its tan feathers are edged in dark brown creating a scaly pattern over the entire body. Its underparts and face are paler than its back. In flight, the underwings flash a rich chestnut and the outer tail feathers flash white.

• Behavior

  Inca Doves walk quietly on the ground pushing their heads forward and back as they go. When they take flight their wings make a dry rattling sound. They are vocal doves, cooing "no hope" at all hours of the day all year long.
• Habitat

  Inca Doves frequent areas near people including cities, towns, parks, and farms. In these areas, they use open areas with sparse shrub cover and scattered trees such as palo verde and oak.