Inca Doves Visit My Yard in Arkansas

On February 21, 2024, I was sitting on my deck here in Arkansas photographing the birds that visit my yard. I was surprised when 4 Inca Doves showed up at the birdbath to get a drink of water before moving over to the bird feeder to feed on the ground under it. They only stayed a few minutes before flying away. I have photographed these birds before in my yard, but it has been several years.

Let’s delve into some fascinating facts about Inca Doves in Arkansas:

Range and Habitat:

Inca Doves are year-round residents in Arkansas, steadily expanding their territory by about one new county every seven years. Native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, they make their homes in a variety of landscapes, from residential areas to thorn forests and savannas. You’ll often find them in arid and semiarid habitats, where they tend to congregate in small flocks or pairs, spending the majority of their time foraging on the ground for seeds and grains.

Physical Characteristics:

These slender doves sport a gray-brown plumage adorned with feathers that give the illusion of scales. Their long, square tails are tipped with white, a striking feature that becomes even more pronounced when they take flight, revealing chestnut wing patches and white tail edges. Typically measuring between 6.5–9.1 inch in length and weighing 1.1–2.0 oz., they’re a petite but charming addition to any backyard birdwatcher’s collection.

Behavior:

Inca Doves are sensitive to chilly temperatures and have developed clever strategies for staying warm, such as roosting closely together, forming pyramids in sunny spots, and facing into the wind with feathers fluffed up. They’re also known to huddle together in rows, resembling a feathered pyramid, for added warmth. As herbivores, their diet consists mainly of seeds, grains, fruit, and insects. These birds are monogamous, with pairs often believed to mate for life, adding a touch of romance to their already endearing nature.

Conservation Status:

Despite facing challenges, such as habitat loss and environmental changes, the total population of Inca Doves stands at approximately 2 million individuals, with numbers on the rise. As a result, they’re currently classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, a reassuring status for these resilient little birds.

Inca Doves bring a touch of charm and grace to any backyard scene, their delicate features and gentle demeanor captivating observers of all ages. So, the next time you catch a glimpse of these feathered friends flitting about your yard, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature’s small wonders.