16 Apr 2024

Deceptive Name and Secret Weapon


In a previous post, I outlined the differences between Mourning Doves and Inca Doves. Today, I want to offer more details about this lovely bird.

Their name, Inca Dove (Columbina Inca), is deceptive because the species does not live in the lands once part of the Inca Empire. They are found from Costa Rica to the North American Southwest. Other names sometimes used for them include Mexican Dove and Scaly Dove. The latter can easily be seen based on their appearance. According to Wikipedia, these doves can reach a length of 6.5–9.1 in (16.5–23 cm) and weigh 1.1-2.0 oz (30–58 g). Their average wingspan can vary from 11.2-12.6 in (28.5-32 cm).

These little doves may look inconspicuous, but they have a hidden trick and secret weapon up their wings. When they take flight, their wings produce a surprisingly loud, rattling sound that can startle predators. This sound is different from that made by Mourning Doves. According to the Cornell Lab All About Birds website, the sound is “like running a finger rapidly over a fanned deck of cards.” On that site, you can also hear an Inca Dove song.


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19 Responses

  1. Anne Sandler
    | Reply

    Thanks for the info Edigio. It’s head looks like a mourning dove, but the body is totally different. So is it’s call.

    • Egídio Leitão
      | Reply

      You’re welcome, Anne. You’re right. The body is smaller than a mourning dove’s.

  2. Marie A Bailey
    | Reply

    The photo of the single dove is stunning for its detail. What a beautiful bird!

  3. I. J. Khanewala
    | Reply

    Lovely photos. I understand that their range has been steadily expanding to the north. I even see a report of a sighting in Canada north of Lake Superior!

    • Egídio Leitão
      | Reply

      I.J., thanks for your feedback. Yes, in one of the articles I read, it mentioned some of these doves being taken to Florida, but they haven’t see any signs of them spreading there. Now, I’m curious about your findings regarding Canada. I’ll do some research, too.

  4. Tra Italia e Finlandia
    | Reply

    Informazioni interessanti e nuove per me. Grazie.

  5. margaret21
    | Reply

    What an appealing bird. And yes, the wing sound is a bit startling.

    • Egídio Leitão
      | Reply

      I love it when I see them on the yard. They are cute. Thanks for the feedback.

  6. Rupali
    | Reply

    Lovely images, Egidio.

  7. Priti
    | Reply

    Wonderful picture 🖼️

  8. SoyBend
    | Reply

    Your last picture is so sweet, Egidio. I like how their back feathers are outlined with black.

    • Egídio Leitão
      | Reply

      Thanks, Siobhan. That feature you pointed out really stands out when you look at them.

  9. restlessjo
    | Reply

    That’s a great secret weapon.

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