Doves in Louisiana: A Comprehensive Guide to Species, Habitats, and Conservation

Doves in Louisiana are an exciting part of the state’s diverse avian population. These doves are a great gift for birdwatchers. 

This comprehensive guide explores the various dove species in the Pelican State, their habitats, behaviours, and significance in the ecosystem and local culture.

Types of Doves in Louisiana

There are seven species of doves in Louisiana: Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Common Ground Dove, Rock Dove, Inca Dove, etc.

• Mourning dove
• White-winged dove
• Inca dove
• Common ground dove
• Eurasian collared-dove
• Ringed turtle-dove
• Rock pigeon

Let’s take a closer look at these lovely birds.

1. Mourning Dove

Mourning doves are the most common doves in Hawaii, Kansas, Florida, California, Michigan, and other parts of America.

The Mourning Dove is the most common among doves in Louisiana. 

• Habitat: Open fields, urban areas, and woodlands
• Diet: Primarily seeds, including sunflowers and wheat
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

Cornell Lab of Ornithology – Mourning Dove

The Mourning Dove is easily recognized by its soft grey-brown plumage and gentle cooing call. You can also find these beautiful doves in Connecticut.

These birds are known for their graceful flight and are often seen foraging for seeds and grains in open fields, urban areas, and woodlands. They are a year-round resident in Louisiana and are also popular game birds.

2. White-winged Dove

White-winged Dove is a medium-sized dove with a short and small head. They have pale brown bodies with a white stripe along their wings. These doves in Louisiana are primarily found in southern and coastal regions.

• Habitat: Urban areas, agricultural lands
• Diet: Seeds, fruits, and occasional insects
• Conservation Status: Least Concern
• Audubon Guide to North American Birds – White-winged Dove

3. Inca Dove

The Inca Dove is a small, delicate bird with intricate scalloped plumage. In Louisiana, they are less common compared to some other dove species.

• Habitat: Open woodlands and urban areas
• Diet: Seeds and small insects
• Conservation Status: Least Concern
• Texas Parks and Wildlife – Inca Dove

These smallest doves in Louisiana are known for their soft cooing sound.

4. Common Ground-Dove

Louisiana’s most miniature doves have a pale greyish-brown body with a scaled pattern on their wings.

• Habitat: Open grounds, fields, and roadsides
• Diet: Seeds foraged from the ground
• Conservation Status: Least Concern
• National Wildlife Federation – Common Ground-Dove

These doves are often found foraging on the ground for seeds and grains, particularly in grassy areas and fields.

Their gentle cooing calls are familiar in parts of Louisiana, especially during the breeding season.

5. Eurasian Collared-Dove

The Eurasian Collared-Dove is a relatively recent addition to Louisiana’s avian landscape. You can also find these doves in Colorado.

• Habitat: Urban and suburban areas
• Diet: Seeds, grains, and occasionally fruits
• Conservation Status: Least Concern
• IUCN Red List – Eurasian Collared-Dove

They are larger than Mourning Doves and have a black “collar” on their necks. These doves are adaptable and have rapidly expanded their range across the state.

These doves in Michigan are a common breeding bird that is very difficult to identify. They are commonly seen in urban and suburban areas and are known for their soft cooing calls.

6. Rock Pigeon

Rock Pigeons, commonly known as city pigeons, are familiar in urban areas throughout Louisiana. They have a grey-blue body, often with iridescent neck feathers.

• Common Name: City Pigeon
• Scientific Name: Columba livia
• Body Color: Gray-blue, often with iridescent neck feathers
• Origin: Not native to North America
• Habitat: Urban areas, cities, and towns throughout Louisiana
• Adaptation: Well-suited to urban environments

While they are not native to North America, they have adapted well to urban environments and can be found in cities and towns across the state.

Habitat and Range of Doves in Louisiana

Doves in Louisiana inhabit a variety of ecosystems across the state. From the coastal marshes to the pine forests of the north, these doves have found places to live in this diverse landscape.

• Coastal Regions: White-winged Doves and Mourning Doves are common.
• Central Louisiana: All species can be found, with Mourning Doves being the most prevalent.
• Northern Louisiana: Mourning Doves and Eurasian collared doves are frequently spotted.

Seasonal changes affect the distribution of doves in Louisiana. While some species, like the Mourning Dove, are year-round residents. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries provides up-to-date information on dove populations and migrations.

Behavior and Habits of Doves in Louisiana

Doves are known for their peaceful and social nature. Doves in Louisiana have fascinating behaviour that makes them a joy to observe:

• Feeding: Often seen foraging on the ground or perched on power lines
• Courtship: Elaborate displays, especially during spring
• Nesting: Simple platform nests in trees or on artificial structures
• Calls: Each species has a distinctive cooing sound

Hunting and Conservation

While most doves in Louisiana are not currently threatened, conservation efforts are crucial to maintain healthy populations:

• Habitat Preservation: Protecting diverse ecosystems that support doves
• Responsible Hunting: Following regulations set by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
• Urban Planning: Creating green spaces in urban areas to support dove populations
• Citizen Science: Participating in bird counts and surveys to monitor populations

Cultural Significance

Doves have transcended their physical presence in Louisiana. They’ve found their way into the state’s culture, inspiring art, music, and folklore.

• Art: Featured in wildlife paintings and sculptures
• Literature: Symbolic use in Louisiana poetry and prose
• Hunting Tradition: Dove hunting is a long-standing cultural practice
• Peace Symbol: Doves often used in local peace initiatives and events

Birdwatching Tips for Doves in Louisiana

For enthusiasts or bird lovers looking to observe doves in Louisiana, consider these tips:

• Best Times: Early morning and late afternoon for feeding activities
• Locations: Visit open fields, urban parks, and woodland edges
• Equipment: Binoculars and a field guide are essential
• Respect Birds: Maintain distance and respect the birds’ natural behaviours.

Conclusion

Doves in Louisiana are more than just beautiful birds; they bring joy to the state’s ecosystem and culture. Understanding and knowing these birds can contribute to their conservation and ensure they have great future generations.

FAQs about Doves in Louisiana