General

Dovekie: Small seabird with black upperparts and hood, white underparts, and stubby, black, sparrow-like bill. Wings are black with thin white trailing edge, visible when folded, and dark underwings. Sexes are similar. Winter adult and juvenile are duller with white throat, chin, and side of neck, and dark neck band.

Range and Habitat

Dovekie: Breeds in eastern Arctic Canada. Spends winters south to New Jersey; also in northern Europe. Breeds on rocky cliffs; winters chiefly at sea.

Breeding and Nesting

Dovekie: One pale blue or green egg is laid in a nest on the bare ground hidden in a cranny of a rocky cliff. Incubation ranges from 24 to 28 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Dovekie: Eats small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.

Vocalization

Dovekie: Call includes various shrill chatters and squeaks.

Similar Species

Dovekie: Common Murre is much larger, has longer bill and longer neck.