skip to main content

Mourning Dove or...?

12 years ago

G'morning everyone. I've been reading/lurking here for quite a while, although I've been a long-time Garden Web member.

Two days ago, while working in my backyard, I kept hearing what I thought might be a dove or a pigeon. That evening I listened to dove songs at Cornel Labs. I had the window open in my home office, and at the same time I could hear the bird outside. The song was not the same, but a little similar.

Last evening when I went outside this striking bird was sitting in my neighbour's tree. Went for the camera and took several pics. I am a raw beginner to bird watching, but this bird looks only partially like a mourning dove. It seems lighter in colour, the feet are the same, only a faint black mark on its cheek, no black marks on the wing, and a white band on the back of its neck. I googled images of mourning doves, including females and juveniles, but none have the white neck band. No singing last evening.

I realize now I should have tried to include more of the tail, so this is the best I've got. Can anyone positively identify this beautiful bird for me?

Peggy

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

renee_2006
12 years ago
Maybe an escaped pet caged dove. I couldn't find it in my bird guide books.
dandelion_2009
12 years ago
I does look like a dove but its so light colored humm when you find out please post ok?
Related Discussions
Mourning a Mourning Dove
Q
Comments (10)
I hope your Dove is ok, Brad. I know that these things happen in the great "circle of life", but I always hate it when I have to see the down side of it. Unlike most people, I love bunnies and don't mind them in my yard at all. However, I also have a 100 lb German Shepherd, so you'd think they'd steer clear (neighbors on either side and back all are dogless...), but for some reason, they end up in my yard. Which is fine, because Lucy isn't that fast and has never caught one. However, some dumb-bunny put her nest right in my yard (a foot west and it would have been safely in the neighbor's yard.) Lucy found it, could smell the baby bunnies and pawed at it. I covered it (with access for mama) to keep her away from it, but she must have pawed enough to injure the babies and they died. I feel so terrible about it... I was just heartbroken to see those itty-bitty bodies. **sigh** Now I think mama has a new nest under our deck (not accessible by Lucy.) I hope to see these bunnies grow up! Denise in Omaha
...See More
Mourning Dove - Blue Jay attack?
Q
Comments (13)
Then THAT'S the answer!! I actually saw a sharp-shinned hawk a few weeks ago (first time I'd even seen one in our woods -- I was very pleased to be able to identify it). I didn't see this altercation until the two birds were "wrestling" in the snow and I'd have sworn it was one of the mourning doves atop the jay, but your theory makes much more sense. Whatever it was definitely carried the jaw off -- poor jay (and I don't love jays) dangling by its wing and squawking frantically. They both dropped into the snow (for a better grip?) a short ways from my garden, then took off again and only by chance (or an extreme fight by the jay or maybe, my frantic yelling??) did the jay get released. The jay flew back to our pine tree and seems fine. Is that possible? To get hauled off into the hair, hanging by one wing, and still live to tell about it? Amazing! Just curious, how large a prey will a sharp-shinned hawk take on? What about a small cat? Do I need to worry now that I know there's a sharp-shinned in the area? (My cat goes out midday, never out for long ... maybe I'll keep him in?!) Thanks so much for the information -- I am positive you are right. Now I feel guilty for blaming the doves... :(
...See More
Mourning doves
Q
Comments (2)
Cool!! We have some very large rocks that were unearthed in the digging of our pond. They have become a popular feeder for all our birds. It took them awhile, but now the doves hop up and crawl all over those rocks like the rest of the birds. It's also amusing to note how unafraid they've become over the years.
...See More
Mourning Dove hogging the Bird Feeder
Q
Comments (2)
Hi, I had to get solid acrylic so it was about half way down and screw it on mine feeder. So Big Ones couldn't get on and they stuck to their own feeders. We call them.collard doves and I feel they need food too. But they eat the lot. Hahaha. Try the acrylic.
...See More
bandjzmom
12 years ago
Hmmmmm...Interesting bird. Definitely looks like a Dove to me, but not a Mourning Dove. Kinda looks like a White Dove met up with a Mourning Dove and found true Dove love. :o) I am joking around, but I am interested to see what the experts have to say about it. I don't know a thing about birding in Canada. Need to call this one to the attention of orrin h.
saskadaisy
Original Author
12 years ago
Well, I guess I'm inclined to agree with renee 2006. I googled pet doves and found this web site with pictures.

http://pet-doves.com/petdoves/ringneck_breeds.htm

It could be a pet ring necked dove. Some have gray or black neck rings, while a few have white. All are very pretty. My concern, if it is a pet, is its survival, especially from predators. Saw it again last evening, so it must be finding food. I put out some sunflower hearts and crushed peanuts, as well as a bowl of water, but haven't seen it come.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ringnecks
ga_karen
12 years ago
Eurasian Collard Dove!

I have some in my area. They are almost twice the size of a mourning dove. Mine are lighter in color than your pic...they are a very light gray, almost white.
saide
12 years ago
It looks a lot like this guy to me! Beautiful!

Here is a link that might be useful: tangerine pearl ringneck

Related Stories

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES Garden for Wildlife to Reap Rich Rewards

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

When you plant with animals and insects in mind, you make gardening easier, the planet healthier and yourself more present

GARDENING FOR BIRDS What to Know About Birds Nesting in Your Yard

By Mitchell Parker

Learn how to observe, record data and help ornithologists with NestWatch’s citizen science project understand bird trends

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES A Quick-Start Guide to Bird-Watching for Fun and Learning

By Alison Hodgson

Set out some seed and grab your field guide. Bird-watching is an easy, entertaining and educational activity for the whole family

GARDENING GUIDES 13 North American Backyard Birds to Know

By Annie Thornton

Find out about these enchanting native species and learn how to attract them to your yard

REMODELING GUIDES Exposed Rafter Tails Show Heads-Up Craftsman Style

By Rachel Grace

For a touch that offers decorative appeal and practical protection in bad weather, look to this classic Craftsman roof detail

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: How to Care for American Goldfinches

By Habitat Network

The American goldfinch is a bright-in-the-summer visitor and one of the only vegetarian songbirds. Here's how to give them a healthy habitat

MOST POPULAR 8 Budget-Friendly Ways to Fun Up Your Patio

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Amp up the charm, comfort and personality of your outdoor space with drapery, lighting and more

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Create a Home for American Kestrels

By Habitat Network

These copper-colored birds of prey can be found throughout North and South America and often find habitats near human activity

DECORATING GUIDES Room of the Day: Going Moody in the Master Bedroom

By Becky Harris

Dark paint and antiques mix with newer pieces and light bedding for a sleeping space that appeals to him and her

OUTDOOR PROJECTS Bring In the Birds With a Homemade Bubble Rock

By Mary Jo Bowling

An avian expert from Southern Indiana shows how to make a burbling fountain that migrating birds will love

Sponsored

17 Reviews

The Leading Interior Design Studio in Franklin County

More Discussions

A MORE SPECIFIC QUESTION, PLEASE

0

What bird is this?

2

Did you know Hummingbird-flower mites?

0

where is everybody?

0