Pigeons and doves (Columbidae)

Inca Dove

Columbina inca. Seeds on the ground.

Pigeons and doves (Columbidae)Inca DoveColumbina inca
Scientific name
Columbina inca
Length
7.5–9.1 in
Weight
1.1–2 oz
Nest
Small twig platform
Entrance hole
Does not use nest boxes
Clutch
2 eggs
Incubation
13–15 days
Broods
Up to 5 per season

Identification

  • Small dove with scaly-looking plumage
  • Long tail with white edges
  • Rufous wings in flight

Voice

Monotonous 'no hope'.

Diet and feeding

Inca Doves by state and province

RegionStatusNesting
ArizonaYear-round residentFebruary–September
New MexicoYear-round residentMarch–September
TexasYear-round residentFebruary–September

Frequently asked

What do Inca doves eat?

Seeds on the ground. At feeders: millet.

How big is a Inca Dove?

7.5–9.1 in long and 1.1–2 oz.

Do Inca doves use birdhouses?

No. Small twig platform.

Sources

  1. Inca Dove — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. Inca Dove life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. Inca Dove — Audubon Guide to North American Birds

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.