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. Because of their willingness to live in close proximity with humans, they are a favorite species among El Paso residents.

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. The Columbidae (doves and pigeons) family of birds are especially friendly to El Paso residents, 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).

Love doves' that hang-out 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 the morning dove feel settled.
• 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. It feeds on mostly seeds and weed-seeds, and occasionally fruits and berries.
• Eurasian Collared-Dove - This particular species of dove was introduced to the Bahamas in the 1970s, and made their way to Florida around the 1980s. Since then, they've easily adapted throughout most of North America. The Eurasian Collared Dove is larger than other dove species, and mostly recognized by a black collar shape on the backside of the neck that contrasts its light grey body.
• Inca Dove - Recognized by a small head and body, long tail and short legs. At first glance, you'll 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 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 BC. They have extraordinary homing capabilities that enable them to deliver messages by navigating from their home lofts to specific destinations, and back again. The rock pigeon likes to hang around parking lots of restaurants and downtown areas where food scraps can be found. 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 strong, robust, territorial birds. They will often chase other birds away from feeders and bird baths. However, dove are generally friendly to most other bird species, and particularly friendly to humans.

Pine Trees

Pine trees are an indigenous species to the El Paso area and have become common to see in residential yards and commercial properties. Pine trees shed a lot of pine needles which dove are able to easily find and use to stack in the form of flat nests. Dove are bad at making nests, often constructing very minimalist, flimsy, flat platforms. Despite their limited abilities to build effecient nests, they are highly successful breeders because they are fast at building them, and able to raise more than one brood per season.

Pine trees offer shelter to many types of birds. 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 and bird platforms. Additionally, the increased number of pine trees has enabled doves to thrive and grow in population in recent decades.

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