General

Zenaida Dove: Medium-sized dove with brown-gray upperparts, red-gray underparts, cinnamon-gray head and neck, dark violet-blue streaks above and below ear coverts, purple sides of neck, white trailing edge on outer secondaries, and black spots on wings. Sexes are similar.

Range and Habitat

Zenaida Dove: Found throughout the Caribbean and on the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. Accidental on Florida Keys and mainland of southern Florida. Usually found in lowland and coastal areas, inhabits open woodland, forest edge, clearings, scrub thickets and shrubby areas, cultivated fields, gardens and mangroves.

Breeding and Nesting

Zenaida Dove: Two white eggs are laid in a nest made of twigs and sticks, built in a low tree, shrub, or on the ground. Incubation ranges from 12 to 14 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Zenaida Dove: Eats fruits, seeds, berries, and some insects. Forages on the ground, usually near water.

Vocalization

Zenaida Dove: Calls "coo-ah-coo" and "hooo-ah-ooo."

Similar Species

Zenaida Dove: Mourning Dove lacks white trailing edge on secondaries, has long, pointed tail, and is paler gray overall.