Bird Guide

Namaqua Dove vs Zenaida Dove

Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis)

Namaqua Dove

Oena capensis

Small41 gShrubland

The Namaqua dove is a tiny pigeon, typically 22 cm in length with a 28–33 cm wingspan, and weighing 40g. It has a very long black tapered tail, and the size and shape have led to comparison with the budgerigar. The plumage is mostly grey apart from a white belly, and chestnut primary feathers which are visible in flight. The adult male has a yellow and red beak and a black face, throat and breast. The adult female lacks the black and has a red-based grey bill. Young birds are dark blotched on the wings and shoulders, and otherwise resemble the females.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: bitsandbugs · CC0
Zenaida Dove (Zenaida aurita)

Zenaida Dove

Zenaida aurita

Medium156 gForest

The Zenaida dove is approximately 28–30 cm (11–12 in) in length. It looks very similar to the mourning dove, but is smaller in size, has a shorter, more rounded tail, and is a bit more darkly colored. It is also distinguished from the mourning dove by showing white on the trailing edge of its wings while in flight. The mourning dove does not have the white trailing edge.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: ImagePerson · CC BY 4.0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Namaqua Dove and Zenaida Dove.