Order Columbiformes Genus Columbina Higher classification Columbina | Phylum Chordata Scientific name Columbina inca Rank Species | |
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Similar Bird, Pigeons and doves, Common ground dove, Columbina, White‑winged dove | ||
The Inca dove (Columbina inca) is a small New World dove. Inca doves reach a length of 16.5–23 cm (6.5–9.1 in) and weigh 30–58 g (1.1–2.0 oz). They are slender, with a gray-brown body covered in feathers that resemble a scaled pattern. The tail is long and square and edged with white feathers that may flare out in flight. The underwings are reddish, like other ground doves, and upon takeoff, the wings produce a distinctive, quiet rattling noise.
Contents
Necco the inca dove makes his no hope call
Distribution and habitat
The Inca Dove ranges from Costa Rica in the south to the American Southwest in the north and is often common to abundant in suitable habitat. Despite being named after the Inca Empire, this species does not occur in any of the lands that once constituted that empire. Inca doves are expanding their range in the north and south. This terrestrial species forms flocks in deserts, scrublands and cultivated areas and may also be found in urban settings where they feed upon grass seeds and take advantage of the ready availability of water from agricultural and suburban irrigation.
Nesting
Inca Doves build their nests primarily in trees and shrubs. The male gathers nesting material and presents it to the female, who also gathers some nesting material. The nest is composed of twigs, grass, and leaves and becomes reinforced with the brood's excrement.
Behavior
During winter, Inca Doves roost in communal huddles in a pyramid formation that aid in heat conservation. These pyramids can contain up to 12 birds.
Voice
The song, a forceful cooing rendered variously as "cowl-coo" or "POO-pup", may be given from a tree, wire, or other open, high perch such as a television aerial.