AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Zenaida asiatica
White-winged Dove
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A plump, brownish-grey dove distinguished by a prominent white wing patch that appears as a brilliant stripe when folded and a large crescent in flight. It has a bright blue patch of skin around each eye and a dark streak on the cheek.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Columbiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Columbidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Zenaida
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1758)
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Increasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits arid and semi-arid scrublands, deserts, brushy woodlands, agricultural fields, and increasingly residential urban and suburban areas from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A highly adaptive, energetic dove that can form immense colonial nesting groups. Populations in northern ranges are strongly migratory, traveling south in sprawling flocks, while southern tropical populations are often resident or nomadic year-round.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Exceedingly social, often aggregating in flocks numbering thousands of birds during migration and winter foraging. They congregate in high densities at water sources during arid mornings and evenings.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Terrestrial granivore and frugivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Primarily granivorous and frugivorous, feeding heavily on seeds of wild grasses, cereal grains (corn, wheat, sunflower), and berries, as well as the fruit and nectar of cacti. Eggs and young are preyed upon by snakes, corvids, and raccoons, while hawks and falcons target adults.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Forms seasonal monogamous bonds. Breeds in loose colonies or isolated pairs; the nest is a flimsy, flat platform of small sticks, twigs, and weed stems placed in a tree or large cactus. Both parents share incubation duties and feed the squabs with nutrient-rich crop milk.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
27.0 - 31.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
125 g - 190 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 3
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
13 - 15
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 12 Years
Females4 - 12 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Highly adapted to desert environments, syncing its breeding cycle with the fruiting of cacti like the Saguaro, which provides both vital moisture and nutrition in hyper-arid conditions.
Possesses robust flight muscles and aerodynamic wings that facilitate long-distance daily commuting between desert nesting roosts and remote water or feeding sources.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Subject to habitat fragmentation from intensive agricultural conversion, localized overhunting during open seasons, and vulnerability to chemical pesticide exposure in farming regions.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Their vocalization is an unmistakable, rhythmic cooing often rendered mnemonically as 'who cooks for you?', filling southwestern woodlands and city neighborhoods with sound during spring mornings.