White-winged Dove

White-winged Dove(s), Zenaida asiatica

The White-winged Dove is becoming a much more common sight in North Texas, and even in parts of Oklahoma. A popular game bird, this dove originates in the southwest of the United States through parts of northwest Mexico. In the early twentieth century, the White-winged Dove population drastically dropped in part due to hunting and habitat loss. Now, this species is unofficially considered invasive in northern Texas and other parts of the country. Similar to Eastern Red Cedar, although this species is native to the state, its ability to adapt to the changing environment and push out other natives makes it invasive. With a higher level of aggression, large flocks, and similar niches to other birds, particularly the Mourning Dove, the White-winged Dove population grows with limited competition and continues to move north.

Help track the population growth of this and other species with The Great Backyard Bird Count which begins tomorrow, February 15th and runs through February 18th!