I never really got what Stevie Nicks was singing about in her 80's hit song, 'Just Like the White-winged Dove,' although it gave the dove's name recognition one hell of a boost.
The song certainly went unnoticed by the bird,
but it grew to an annoying earworm for me.
The White-winged Dove's range in the USA is limited, albeit expanding. They are common in the states which border Mexico.
Tens of thousands of White-winged Doves are shot each year, notably in Texas, as sporting targets.
A slightly larger bird than the more widespread Mourning Dove, the White-winged Dove has adapted to humans and mingles with other seed eating birds at your backyard feeder.
As a vegetarian, seeds and grains make up most of the dove's diet. A few small stones are also ingested to aid the gizzard in grinding up those tough main courses.
Bright red eyes against soft blue set off this finely feathered brown bird.
White crescents outline the wings and give the White-winged Dove its name.
(Click any picture to enlarge.)
They're increasing in numbers, against many challenges.
Having a 'hit' song has no practical value for the ground foraging White-winged Dove. Keeping your cat indoors would be a big help though.
Allan
Credits:
Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds
Texas Parks and Wildlife Management
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edge_of_Seventeen
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