Dove Population in El Paso

Dove are a robust type of bird species that are able to successfully reproduce and thrive in large numbers. In North America, they are present in almost every country, and are especially abundant in the El Paso area. They are a favorite species among El Paso bird lovers because of their willingness to live in close proximity with humans.

The Columbidae Family

Even in the hot climate of El Paso, there is a diverse number of avian species that make residential yards their home. One type of bird family in particular that is friendly to El Paso residents are that of the Columbidae family, and there are several species in this scientific family of birds found here. Most notably are dove, in which include mourning dove, white-winged dove, Eurasian collared dove, Inca dove, and rock dove (rock pigeon).

There are several species of dove in El Paso...

Mourning Dove: The mourning dove is a seed-eater that loves to make El Paso its year-round home. Residents are fond of this bird because of their beautiful black round eyes and soothing "uoo-uoo" sounds. The presence of shady leaf trees or pine trees will give the mother dove a safe place to build her nest. The addition of a bird feeder and bird bath and will surely make your backyard their home with these accommodations.
White-winged Dove: A migrating bird that divides its time between the Southwest and Mexico. Some will remain through winter, especially in suburban backyards with trees and bird feeders. The white-winged dove is known by the long white strip on the front-side of both wings. It is also distinguished by its eyes, which are a small black pupil dot within an orange-brown ring. The eye area itself is surrounded by a small section of blue. Feeds on mostly seeds and weed-seeds, and occasionally fruits and berries.
Eurasian Collared-Doves: This particular species of dove was introduced to the Bahamas in the 1970s, and made their way to Florida by around the 1980s. Since then, they've easily adapted throughout most of North America. Eurasian Collared Dove are larger than other dove species, and mostly recognized by a black collar shape on the backside of the neck contrasting a light grey body.
Inca Dove: This dove has a small body with a long tail, small head and short legs. At first glance, you will notice the scaly pattern on its wings and chest. If you look close enough, you will see a dark center to their eyes with a red outline. The inca dove population will spend the entire year in the El Paso area.
Rock Dove: The rock dove is a member of the bird family Columbidae (doves and pigeons). This bird is commonly referred to as a "pigeon." They often fly in pairs or large groups, and will congregate in parking lots, yards with food, and power lines. It is believed that The rock dove was the first bird to be domesticated around 4500 B.C. They have extraordinary homing capabilities that enable them to deliver messages by navigating from their home lofts to specific destinations, and back again. Read more about this amazing bird at tpwd.texas.gov

Crop Milk

Most dove species have the ability to mate and successfully raise their young because of their ability to produce "crop milk." Since dove hardly ever lay more than two eggs in a single brood, dove hatchlings have a particular advantage of reaching fledgling age and successfully leaving the nest. Crop milk contains a special growth factor in addition to the nutrients, so the hatchlings grow uncommonly quick. The ability of mother doves to produce crop milk might give baby pigeons and doves an early advantage.

Dove are a robust and strong bird, and they are also territorial. They will often chase other birds away from feeders and bird baths. Hoewever, dove are particularly friendly to humans, especially in places where humans are regularly present, such as residential properties. The Rock pigeon likes to hang around parking lots of restaurants and downtown areas where people and food scrapes are present.

Pine Trees

Although pine trees have not always grown in abundance in the El Paso area, this type of tree has enabled dove to thrive and grow in population in recent decades. Dove are not very good nest builders, but because pine trees shed a lot of pine needles, dove are able to easily find pine needles and use them to stack in the form of a nest.

Pine trees offer all kinds of birds shelter and a place for their nests. Although pine trees of various types are native to Texas, the early days of El Paso probably did not include many pine trees at all. Arguably, it was not until about the early half of the 20th Century did pine trees start to appear in large numbers in the Borderland area. The reason was due to the so called "urban sprawl," when home builders were building their modern cookie-cutter homes with adequate sprinkler systems for watering foliage, subsequently allowing home owners the luxury of maintaining lush green lawns, various trees, shrubs and flowers.

Mating seasons for dove in El Paso are especially successful because of friendly backyards with bird feeders. Additionally, the increased number of pine trees has enabled doves to thrive and grow in population in recent decades.

"The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of them all!"