Doves

      Two of the most commonly seen doves in Costa Rica are the White-winged and Inca Doves. Consequently these are the two dove species that I have seen the most and taken pictures of. Wherever doves reside there are bound to be many because unlike many birds that nest when food for their young is abundant doves can nest anytime of year and as many times as they like because doves are one of the only types of birds that actually feed their young "milk". This so called "milk" is produced from a gland in the crop of the parent doves. I've counted at least nine dove nest on my school campus and they seem to be producing new broods at an astonishing rate. I enjoy having the doves around because I can always count on being able to find and take pictures of them if all other birds are hiding or shying away. The White-winged dove has a very simple hoo hoo hoo call. Inca doves are seen less than White winged doves but they are fairly common if you look for them. I cant say that I have heard or know what the Inca doves call sounds like. Anyways, here are a few pictures of both species.

Young White-winged Dove. Note the juvenile feathers on head and around eye.

Adult White-winged Dove. Note the color of head compared the the juvenile above.

Inca Dove

Inca Dove (~8in)

 For more information on these doves I have found the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Website very useful for learning about any type of bird. http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Page.aspx?pid=1478