Inca Dove

About the Inca Dove

The Inca dove or Mexican dove is a small New World dove. The species was first described by French surgeon and naturalist René Lesson in 1847. It reaches a length of 16.5–23 cm (6.5–9.1 in) and weighs 30–58 g (1.1–2.0 oz). The Inca dove has an average wingspan of 28.5 cm and a max wingspan of 32 cm. It is a slender species, with a gray-brown body covered in feathers that resemble a scaled pattern. The tail is long and square and edged with white feathers that may flare out in flight. The underwings are reddish, like other ground doves, and upon takeoff, the wings produce a distinctive, quiet rattling noise.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where the Inca Dove lives

Recorded as a rare visitor in Canada.

When to see the Inca Dove

Peak activity in April · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Common Ground DoveColumbina passerinaThe common ground dove is North America's smallest and one of the world's smallest by mass. Ruddy Ground DoveColumbina talpacotiIt measures 12–18 cm (4.7–7.1 in) in length and weighs about 35–56 g (1.2–2.0 oz). Picui Ground DoveColumbina picuiThe Picui ground dove is 18 cm (7.1 in) long and weighs 42 to 59 g (1.5 to 2.1 oz).

Side by side: Inca Dove vs Ruddy Ground Dove · Common Ground Dove vs Inca Dove · Crested Pigeon vs Inca Dove · Inca Dove vs Picui Ground Dove