5 Types of Doves in Louisiana [Images + IDs]

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Louisiana, a state known for its vibrant culture, bayous, and diverse landscapes, is also home to the gentle and melodious doves. These birds, with their soothing coos and graceful presence, have found a place amidst the lush wetlands, charming cities, and rich history of the Pelican State. In our exploration of doves in Louisiana, we’ll uncover the types of doves you can encounter, their intriguing behaviors, and their significance in the state’s natural world. Whether you’re an avid birder or simply curious about Louisiana’s avian inhabitants, let’s embark on a journey to discover the world of doves in Louisiana.

Types of Doves in Louisiana:

Mourning Dove
Rock Pigeon

Eurasian Collared-Dove
White-Winged Dove
Common Ground-Dove

Mourning Dove

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Scientific name: Zenaida macroura

Lifespan: 2-5 years
Size: 9-13 inches
Native to: Southern Canada to central Mexico

The Mourning Dove is predominantly gray in color and possesses unique features including sizable black spots on its wings, an elongated slender tail, pinkish legs, a black beak, and a prominent blue ring around its eye. Interestingly, males and females of this species have the same appearance.

In Louisiana, the Mourning Dove is not only common but also quite familiar. Frequently, you can observe them perched at elevated positions in trees or on telephone wires in the vicinity of your residence. They are also commonly sighted on the ground, where they primarily engage in feeding activities.

Mourning Doves are commonly observed at bird feeding stations, where they often visit for food. To attract them, consider offering their favorite foods, which include millet, shelled sunflower seeds, Nyjer seeds, cracked corn, and safflower seeds. These doves prefer flat feeding surfaces, so trays or platforms make excellent feeders. They are quite comfortable feeding on the ground as well, so providing food there is a good idea.

These doves are highly prolific in their breeding habits. Female Mourning Doves frequently produce 3 to 6 broods during each breeding season. Although the young doves spend a maximum of 15 days in the nest, they remain in close proximity to their parents, who continue to feed them for about another week. It’s a common misconception for people to think that these young doves have fallen out of the nest, as they can barely fly. However, they may not realize that their parents are nearby, ensuring their sustenance.

Regarding their vocalizations, Mourning Doves are renowned for their unique low cooing sound, which can be described as “coo-ah, coo, coo, coo.” This mournful sound is the origin of the dove’s name and is sometimes confused with the call of an owl by many residents of Louisiana.

Rock Pigeon

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Scientific name: Columba livia
Lifespan: 6 years

Size: 11-13 inches
Native to: Europe North Africa and India, it now lives in wild or semi-wild conditions in cities all over the world, including most of North America

The Rock Pigeon is a plump bird known for its small head, short legs, and thin bill. While the typical pigeon has a gray back, a blue-grey head, and two black wing bars, their plumage can vary significantly. It’s not uncommon to see pigeons with all-white or rusty-brown feathers.

In Louisiana, Rock Pigeons are extremely common, but you’ll primarily find them in urban areas. These birds are commonly referred to as “pigeons.” You’ve likely seen them in large flocks gathering in city parks, hoping to find birdseed or leftover food.

Rock Pigeons are quite easily attracted to bird feeders, particularly if there’s leftover food on the ground. However, their high numbers can sometimes make them a bit of a nuisance in your backyard. A lot of individuals might feel overwhelmed by their presence and seek methods to deter them.

When it comes to identifying Rock Pigeons, their distinctive soft, throaty cooing sounds are quite recognizable.

Rock Pigeons have a well-documented history of interaction with humans. There is evidence from Egyptian hieroglyphics that indicates the domestication of these birds began more than 5,000 years ago. Due to this long history, scientists aren’t entirely certain about their original range.

Eurasian Collared-Dove

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Scientific name: Streptopelia decaocto
Lifespan: 3 years
Size: 12-14 inches

Native to: Bay of Bengal region (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar

The Eurasian Collared-Dove is primarily a sandy brown bird with a distinctive long, square-tipped tail. As its name suggests, you can identify it by the black collar on the back of its neck.

In Louisiana, Eurasian Collared-Doves are considered invasive. Regrettably, in the 1970s, an individual introduced them to the Bahamas, and since that time, their numbers have increased quickly. They continue to spread even today.

One reason for their rapid colonization is their comfort around humans. They have thrived in proximity to bird feeders and in urban and suburban areas. It’s common to spot them on the ground or platform feeders, where they feed on grains and seeds.

When it comes to their song, listen for a “koo-KOO-kook” sound, which both males and females produce. Notably, their song has a distinct pattern where the middle syllable is longer than the first and last ones. Male doves often sing louder when they are defending their territory or trying to attract a mate. To distinguish Eurasian Collared Doves from Mourning Doves, there are some key differences. Mourning Doves are smaller in size and feature black dots on their wings, whereas Eurasian Collared-Doves are larger and have a distinctive black crescent-shaped collar around their necks.

White-winged Dove

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Scientific name: Zenaida asiatica
Lifespan: 10-15 years

Size: 11 in
Native to: Southwestern United States through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean

Now, turning our attention to the White-winged Dove, this bird is characterized by its pale grayish-brown plumage, and it stands out due to a noticeable white stripe along the edges of its wings. It also features a short, square-tipped tail and a noticeable black mark on its cheek.

White-winged Doves have adapted quite well to human presence, making them a common sight in cities and backyards throughout Louisiana. They readily frequent bird feeding stations that offer sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, milo, and cracked corn as food options.

Similar to other dove species, White-winged Doves have some interesting characteristics. When their nestlings are born, the parents feed them something called “crop milk,” which is a secretion regurgitated from the lining of the esophagus. Additionally, pigeons and doves have the unique ability to drink water while their heads are down, meaning they don’t need to tilt their heads upward to swallow, a trait uncommon among birds.

In their courtship rituals, male White-winged Doves sing to attract females. They produce a series of hooting coos, which can sound like they are saying, “who cooks for you.” Often, the final coo in their sequence is longer than the rest.

Common Ground-Dove

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Scientific name: Columbina passerina

Lifespan: 7 years
Size: 15 to 18 cm
Native to: Southern United States, parts of Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America

The Common ground dove is a small bird, just a bit larger than a sparrow. They have a plain grey-brown back with underparts that exhibit a pinkish tint. Their small heads feature a scaled pattern on the breast and neck, along with dark spots on the wings.

These doves are commonly found in Louisiana, often seen foraging on the ground beneath bird feeders where they pick up fallen grains and seeds.

Interestingly, Common Ground Doves choose to nest on the ground itself. They construct simple nests lined with various types of grass, weeds, and other plant materials. However, nesting on the ground makes them vulnerable to various predators. For self-defense, they depend on camouflaging themselves within their environment and taking shelter in thick vegetation. When it comes to communication, Common Ground Doves are quite expressive and can be heard throughout the day, all year round. They produce a repetitive, gentle, high-pitched cooing noise with a rising intonation.

Popular Places for Birdwatching in Louisiana

Peveto Woods Sanctuary

Peveto Woods Sanctuary is a 40-acre sanctuary for birds and butterflies situated along the Louisiana coast in Cameron Parish. It is abundant with live oaks and dense vegetation and is located within a migratory bird flyway. Maintained by the Baton Rouge Audubon Society, the sanctuary is a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. Visitors can expect to observe various bird species such as warblers, vireos, thrushes, and flycatchers, as well as butterflies and other wildlife. The sanctuary is open to the public, and there are several trails available for exploration.

Wetland Walkway

The Wetland Walkway at Sabine National Wildlife Refuge is a renowned birdwatching location in Louisiana. This 1.5-mile boardwalk meanders through the marshes and wetlands of the refuge, offering excellent opportunities to spot diverse bird species including waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds. Open throughout the year, the walkway features observation decks and benches for visitors to enjoy.

Blue Goose Trail

The Blue Goose Trail at Sabine National Wildlife Refuge is a 3.3-mile loop that traverses the marshes and wetlands of the refuge. It provides birdwatchers with the chance to observe a variety of bird species, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds. The trail remains open year-round and features observation decks and benches for convenient birdwatching experiences.

Willow Island

Willow Island is a small island situated in the middle of the Mississippi River near Baton Rouge. This island attracts birdwatchers, particularly during the spring and fall migration seasons. Visitors can expect to encounter a diverse array of bird species, including warblers, vireos, thrushes, flycatchers, and other wildlife. Accessible by boat, there are several boat ramps and marinas in the area for convenient exploration.

Rutherford Beach

Rutherford Beach, located along the Gulf of Mexico, is a popular birdwatching spot in Louisiana, especially during the winter months. It offers the opportunity to observe various bird species, including gulls, terns, and shorebirds. In addition to birdwatching, Rutherford Beach is also frequented by anglers and outdoor enthusiasts engaging in other activities.

Pintail Wildlife Drive

The Pintail Wildlife Drive at Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge is a favored destination for birdwatching in Louisiana. This 3.2-mile loop takes visitors through the refuge’s marshes and wetlands, providing excellent chances to view waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds. The drive is accessible year-round and features observation decks and benches along the way.

Cameron Prairie Wildlife Refuge

Cameron Prairie Wildlife Refuge is a vast 180,000-acre wildlife refuge located in southwestern Louisiana. It serves as a habitat for numerous bird species, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds, as well as other wildlife. Visitors can explore the refuge on foot or by car, with several trails and drives offering exceptional birdwatching opportunities.

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge spans 4,500 acres in northeastern Louisiana and is another notable wildlife refuge for birdwatching. It hosts a variety of bird species, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds, along with other wildlife. The refuge provides walking and driving trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy exceptional birdwatching experiences.

Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge

Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 35,000 acres in southwestern Louisiana, offering abundant opportunities for birdwatching. The refuge is home to diverse bird species, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds, as well as other wildlife. Visitors can explore the refuge on foot or by car, utilizing various trails and drives that provide excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Final Thoughts on Red Birds in Louisiana

Doves in Louisiana bring a touch of grace and tranquility to the state’s diverse and captivating landscapes. These gentle birds, with their soothing coos and elegant presence, are more than just avian residents; they are an integral part of Louisiana’s rich wildlife tapestry. Through our exploration of the various aspects of doves in the Pelican State, from the species you can encounter to their unique behaviors, it becomes evident that they hold a special place in the hearts of bird enthusiasts and nature admirers.

Also Read:

Owls in Louisiana

5 Types of Doves in Louisiana [Images + IDs]