3. Alex for @zenaidasden

photograph by Dan Miller

Slender brown dove with black spots on the wing coverts, a blue gray neck with iridescent feathers along the nape, and a pinkish breast, all of these traits are shared with the rest of the Zenaida genus. Females are grayer and duller. Was last seen in the wild in the 1970’s, and has been declared extinct in the wild since 1983. Was endemic to the Socorro Island in Mexico. The last recorded habitat this dove was seen in was a low seasonally humid forest about 500 m above sea level. They were wiped from their original habitats because of predators like feral cats and hawks and deforestation. Never showed up in flocks, only in pairs, and drove their young from the nest as soon as they could fend for themselves to keep away from predators. Also showed little fear towards humans and other threats, which could have been key to their near extinction. Many attempts at the conservation and reintroduction of these doves into the wild have been made, such as the island of Socorro being declared a biosphere preserve, breeding birds in captivity, and creating aviaries on the island. There are only 180 Socorro doves left globally. Voice has a similar rhythm to most Zenaida calls, but is faster and has an extra disyllabic coo at the end—“Coo-oo, OO, OO, OO, Coo-oo”

Bulky, medium-sized grayish-brown dove with a blue eyering, a single dark spot on the cheek (defining characteristic of most birds in the Zenaida genus), and a white crescent shaped stripe along the bottom edge of the wing. The white wing patch looks like a line across the wing, but it becomes fuller when in flight, contrasting with the dark outer wings. They live in some parts of the Central and Southern U.S, much of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Can usually be found in deserts, fields, open woodlands, suburban areas, and even cities. It relies heavily on the Saguaro cactus for nectar and water. It’s often mistaken for its cousin, the Mourning Dove, White-winged Doves are heftier and shorter-tailed. Voice is a mournful complex series of coos— often likened to the phrase “who cooks for you?”

Brown svelte medium sized bird, with characteristic black spots on wings. Common year-round in most of North America, from Southern Canada to Panama and the Caribbean. Listen for distinctive “woo-OOO-hoo-hoo-hoo” song and the whistling of their wings when they take off.

Video Call

https://www.diane.ro/2025/06/7-iunie-sfanta-mucenita-zenaida.html