Colorado’s diverse landscapes—from urban centers to mountain forests—attract five distinct dove and pigeon species that birders encounter year-round. While most people recognize the familiar mourning dove’s mournful call echoing across neighborhoods, fewer realize that rock pigeons dominate city plazas or that invasive Eurasian collared-doves have rapidly expanded throughout the state.
Understanding the differences between these species transforms casual observation into informed identification. You’ll discover that some species thrive in human-modified environments while others prefer remote mountain habitats, and that seasonal patterns bring surprising visitors to Colorado’s southern regions during warmer months.
Mourning Dove
The mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) stands as Colorado’s most abundant and widespread dove species. You’ll recognize these slender, graceful birds by their soft tan-gray plumage, long pointed tails with distinctive white outer tail feathers, and small rounded heads. Their bodies measure 9-13 inches long with 17-19 inch wingspans, creating an elegant silhouette whether perched or in flight.
These doves earned their common name from their distinctive, melancholic cooing song—a soft “coo-OO-oo-oo-oo” that echoes through neighborhoods, parks, and open countryside during breeding season. Males deliver this haunting call from prominent perches to establish territories and attract mates, creating one of Colorado’s most recognizable bird sounds from late winter through summer.
Pro Tip: Listen for the whistling sound of mourning dove wings during takeoff. This distinctive noise comes from air passing through their wing feathers and often alerts you to their presence before you see them.
Mourning doves thrive across Colorado’s diverse habitats, from urban and suburban yards to agricultural areas, grasslands, and open woodlands at elevations reaching 8,000 feet. They feed primarily on seeds gathered from the ground, frequenting areas with bare soil or short grass where food remains visible. You’ll often spot them visiting backyard bird feeders, particularly platform feeders or ground feeding areas where spilled seed accumulates.
Throughout spring and summer, mourning doves construct flimsy platform nests of twigs in trees, shrubs, or occasionally on building ledges. Their breeding season extends remarkably long—from March through September—with pairs often raising multiple broods. Both parents share incubation duties and feed nestlings “crop milk,” a nutrient-rich secretion produced in their throats.
Colorado’s mourning dove population includes both year-round residents and migrants. Many birds remain throughout winter in urban and suburban areas where food sources persist, particularly at bird feeders. However, populations swell dramatically during spring and summer as migrants return from southern wintering grounds. The species tolerates cold remarkably well, and you’ll frequently observe small flocks roosting together during winter evenings for warmth.
Their adaptability to human presence makes mourning doves one of Colorado’s most accessible species for observation. Watch for their distinctive nodding walk as they forage on the ground, and notice how flocks explode into flight with whistling wings when startled. Despite their popularity, mourning doves face hunting pressure during regulated seasons, as they’re classified as game birds throughout much of their range.
Eurasian Collared-Dove
The Eurasian collared-dove (Streptopelia decaocto) represents one of North America’s most successful invasive bird species. Since their introduction to the Bahamas in the 1970s, these doves expanded across the continent at remarkable speed, reaching Colorado by the late 1990s and establishing populations throughout the state within just two decades.
You’ll distinguish collared-doves from mourning doves by several key characteristics: their chunkier build, pale gray-tan plumage that appears almost sandy, squared tail with white terminal band rather than pointed tail, and most distinctively, the thin black collar across the back of their neck that gives the species its name. They measure 11-12 inches long with 18-22 inch wingspans, making them noticeably larger and bulkier than mourning doves.
Key Insight: Eurasian collared-doves produce a distinctive three-note call: “coo-COO-coo,” with emphasis on the middle note. This rhythmic calling differs markedly from the mourning dove’s softer, more mournful song and often continues persistently throughout the day.
These invasive doves show strong preference for human-modified environments, thriving in urban and suburban areas, farmyards, parks, and residential neighborhoods. Unlike mourning doves that readily occupy natural habitats, collared-doves remain closely associated with human development. You’ll frequently find them at backyard feeders, where they consume seeds and grain with impressive appetite, sometimes dominating feeding stations and displacing native species.
| Feature | Mourning Dove | Eurasian Collared-Dove | Rock Pigeon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 9-13 inches | 11-12 inches | 11-15 inches |
| Tail Shape | Long, pointed | Square with white band | Fan-shaped |
| Key Mark | White tail edges | Black neck collar | Iridescent neck, varied colors |
| Call | Mournful “coo-OO-oo” | Rhythmic “coo-COO-coo” | Soft cooing and grunting |
| Habitat | Diverse, natural & urban | Urban/suburban only | Urban centers |
Collared-doves breed prolifically, nesting year-round in mild areas and raising multiple broods annually. This reproductive success contributes to their rapid population expansion. They construct simple platform nests in trees, shrubs, and occasionally on building structures, showing remarkable adaptability to diverse nesting sites.
The species’ invasion raises ecological concerns among conservationists. Collared-doves compete with native mourning doves and other seed-eating birds for food resources, potentially impacting native populations through competitive exclusion. However, research on their actual ecological impact continues, and some studies suggest their preference for urban environments may limit competition with species favoring natural habitats.
Common Mistake: Don’t assume all large, pale doves in Colorado are mourning doves. The Eurasian collared-dove’s distinctive neck collar, chunkier build, and three-note call clearly separate it from native species.
Despite their invasive status, collared-doves now occupy permanent positions in Colorado’s avian community. You’ll encounter them throughout the state’s urban corridors, from Denver’s suburbs to small agricultural towns. Their persistent calling and bold behavior at feeders make them impossible to miss in areas they inhabit.
Rock Pigeon
The rock pigeon (Columba livia)—commonly called the “common pigeon” or simply “pigeon”—holds the distinction of being simultaneously one of the world’s most familiar birds and least appreciated by many observers. Originally native to European and Asian cliffs, rock pigeons were domesticated thousands of years ago and now maintain feral populations in cities worldwide, including throughout Colorado.
You’ll identify rock pigeons by their remarkable color variation. While the ancestral wild-type plumage features gray bodies with two black wing bars, iridescent green and purple neck feathers, and white rumps, feral populations display extraordinary diversity. Birds range from pure white to solid black, with combinations including checkered, pied, rusty-red, and numerous intermediate patterns. This variability results from centuries of selective breeding in domestic varieties.
Rock pigeons measure 11-15 inches long with 20-26 inch wingspans, making them noticeably larger and stockier than mourning doves. Their characteristic features include:
- Rounded body shape with small head
- Short legs with ability to walk (not just hop)
- Fan-shaped tail visible in flight
- Rapid, powerful wingbeats creating distinctive flight profile
- Ability to drink by sucking water continuously (unlike most birds that scoop and tilt)
These pigeons dominate Colorado’s urban environments, thriving in cities and towns where building ledges mimic their ancestral cliff-nesting sites. You’ll find large flocks in parks, plazas, parking lots, and anywhere food sources exist—particularly where people provide handouts. They feed opportunistically on seeds, grains, discarded food, and various human food waste.
Rock pigeons demonstrate remarkable adaptability and intelligence. They navigate using multiple sensory cues including Earth’s magnetic field, show impressive memory for food locations, and recognize individual human faces. Despite their common status, these cognitive abilities rival those of many celebrated “intelligent” bird species.
The species breeds year-round in urban environments where food remains available and building temperatures stay moderate. Pairs construct simple platform nests of twigs and debris on building ledges, bridges, and similar structures. Both parents share incubation and feeding duties, producing the characteristic “crop milk” that sustains rapidly growing squabs.
While rock pigeons face widespread disdain as urban nuisances—their droppings damage buildings and their populations sometimes harbor diseases—they fill important ecological roles. Urban hawks, particularly Cooper’s hawks and peregrine falcons, rely heavily on pigeon populations as primary prey sources. Without abundant pigeons, many raptor species would struggle to survive in city environments.
White-Winged Dove (Uncommon)
The white-winged dove (Zenaida asiatica) appears uncommonly in Colorado, primarily as a warm-season visitor to the state’s southern regions. While abundant throughout the southwestern United States and Mexico, this species reaches the northern edge of its expanding range in Colorado, where sightings remain infrequent but increasingly regular.
You’ll recognize white-winged doves by their distinctive field marks: similar size to mourning doves (11-12 inches long) but stockier build, rounded rather than pointed tails, and most notably, prominent white wing patches visible both at rest and in flight. These bold white crescents create striking contrast against their gray-brown plumage. Additional identification features include blue orbital skin around the eyes, orange-red eyes, and rusty-orange underwings visible during flight.
Pro Tip: White-winged doves prefer saguaro cacti and desert vegetation in their core range, but Colorado sightings often occur near riparian areas, agricultural fields, and bird feeders in southern counties. Focus your search in areas near the New Mexico border during summer months.
The species’ distinctive call differs markedly from mourning dove vocalizations—a hoarse, owl-like “who-cooks-for-you” pattern that carries considerable distance. This call helps alert observers to the species’ presence before visual confirmation.
In Colorado, white-winged dove sightings concentrate in:
- Southern counties: Las Animas, Baca, and Prowers counties show most regular occurrences
- Late spring through summer: May through September represents peak observation period
- Riparian habitats and agricultural areas: Trees along waterways and grain fields attract occasional visitors
- Urban areas with feeders: Vagrant individuals sometimes appear at bird feeding stations
The species feeds primarily on seeds, grains, and fruits, showing particular fondness for saguaro cactus fruits in their core southwestern range. In Colorado, they consume weed seeds, agricultural grain, and various native plant seeds when available.
White-winged doves have expanded their range northward over recent decades, likely responding to climate change and increased food availability from agricultural development. While breeding remains unconfirmed in Colorado, observers should watch for evidence of nesting activity during summer months, particularly in southern regions where the species appears with increasing regularity.
If you encounter what appears to be a white-winged dove in Colorado, carefully document the sighting with photographs and detailed field notes. Report observations to eBird and local birding organizations, as occurrence data helps track this species’ range expansion and seasonal patterns. The bold white wing patches provide the most reliable identification feature, distinguishing white-winged doves from all other Colorado dove species even at considerable distances.
Band-Tailed Pigeon
The band-tailed pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata) represents Colorado’s largest native dove species and inhabits dramatically different environments than the state’s other doves and pigeons. These impressive birds measure 13-16 inches long with 24-27 inch wingspans, approaching the size of rock pigeons but with distinctly different appearance and ecology.
You’ll identify band-tailed pigeons by their distinctive features: overall gray-purple plumage with pinkish tones on the head and breast, yellow bill with dark tip, bright yellow legs and feet, white crescent on the nape (back of neck), and most notably, the pale gray tail band that gives the species its common name. In flight, they appear large and powerful, with broad wings and relatively long tails creating an imposing silhouette.
Unlike Colorado’s other dove species that favor open habitats and urban environments, band-tailed pigeons inhabit mountain forests, particularly oak and pine woodlands at elevations between 6,000 and 10,000 feet. They show strong preference for areas with abundant mast-producing trees, as their diet consists primarily of acorns, pine nuts, juniper berries, and various wild fruits. This specialized diet ties them closely to mature forest habitats with diverse tree species.
Important Note: Band-tailed pigeons are sensitive to disturbance, particularly at mineral springs and nest sites. Observe from respectful distances to avoid disrupting their behavior, especially during breeding season from April through September.
Throughout summer, you’ll find band-tailed pigeons in Colorado’s western mountain regions, including:
- Rocky Mountain foothills and slopes: Oak-pine transition zones provide ideal habitat
- Ponderosa pine forests: Mature stands with diverse understory vegetation
- Mountain riparian areas: Cottonwood and willow corridors through forested regions
- Mineral springs: Critical sites where birds gather to consume mineral-rich water and soil
These pigeons demonstrate strong attraction to mineral springs and seeps, where they gather in flocks to drink mineral-rich water that apparently aids digestion of their specialized diet. These mineral sites become focal points for observation, as dozens or even hundreds of birds may congregate during peak activity periods.
Band-tailed pigeons produce deep, owl-like cooing calls that echo through mountain forests—a hollow “coo-oo” or “hoo-oo” repeated slowly. Males deliver these calls from prominent perches in tall trees, establishing territories and attracting mates. The sound carries considerable distance through forest canopy, often alerting observers to the species’ presence before visual contact.
The species exhibits migratory behavior in Colorado, with most individuals departing for wintering grounds in Mexico and the southwestern United States by October. Spring arrival typically occurs in April or May, coinciding with new vegetation growth and developing food resources. Some individuals may remain through mild winters in areas with persistent food sources, particularly where oak masts remain available.
Conservation concerns affect band-tailed pigeons throughout their range. Historically, unregulated hunting decimated populations in the early 20th century, though subsequent protections allowed partial recovery.
Current threats include habitat loss from forest development, disease outbreaks at concentrated feeding and mineral sites, and ongoing hunting pressure during regulated seasons. The species receives management as a game bird, with carefully controlled harvest limits based on population monitoring.
Key Insight: Band-tailed pigeons often perch motionless high in tree canopies, making detection challenging. Listen for their distinctive calls and watch for movement in oak and pine forests during early morning and evening hours when birds feed most actively.
Colorado’s band-tailed pigeon population represents the eastern edge of the species’ western range. Prime viewing locations include:
- Mesa Verde National Park and surrounding areas
- San Juan Mountains oak-pine zones
- Ponderosa pine forests west of Denver in the foothills
- Rocky Mountain National Park’s lower elevation forests
These magnificent native pigeons offer birders seeking Colorado mountain species a rewarding challenge. Their impressive size, beautiful plumage, and distinctive forest habitat separate them dramatically from the state’s urban doves and pigeons, highlighting the remarkable diversity within Colorado’s dove and pigeon community.
Colorado’s five dove and pigeon species demonstrate remarkable ecological diversity, from abundant mourning doves thriving across varied habitats to specialized band-tailed pigeons inhabiting mountain forests.
Understanding the differences between invasive Eurasian collared-doves and native species, recognizing the uncommon white-winged dove when it appears, and appreciating both urban rock pigeons and wilderness band-tailed pigeons enriches your birding experience throughout Colorado’s diverse landscapes.
By learning each species’ distinctive calls, field marks, and habitat preferences, you’ll confidently identify these birds whether exploring city parks, suburban neighborhoods, agricultural regions, or mountain wilderness areas across the state.
