About the Inca Dove
The Inca dove or Mexican dove (Columbina inca) is a small New World dove. The species was first described by French surgeon and naturalist René Lesson in 1847. It reaches a length of 16.5–23 cm (6.5–9.1 in) and weighs 30–58 g (1.1–2.0 oz). The Inca dove has an average wingspan of 28.5 cm and a max wingspan of 32 cm. It is a slender species, with a gray-brown body covered in feathers that resemble a scaled pattern. The tail is long and square and edged with white feathers that may flare out in flight. The underwings are reddish, like other ground doves, and upon takeoff, the wings produce a distinctive, quiet rattling noise.
Source: Wikipedia
Classification
- Scientific name
- Columbina inca
- Family
- Pigeons and Doves
- Order
- Columbiformes
Similar species
Other members of the pigeons and doves family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.
- African Collared-Dove Streptopelia roseogrisea
- Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata
- Blue Ground Dove Claravis pretiosa
- Caribbean Dove Leptotila jamaicensis
- Common Ground Dove Columbina passerina
- Common Wood-Pigeon Columba palumbus
- Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes
- Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata
- Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto
- European Turtle-Dove Streptopelia turtur
- Gray-chested Dove Leptotila cassinii
- Gray-headed Dove Leptotila plumbeiceps
Know when the Inca Dove turns up near you
How rare bird alerts work →Gear for spotting Inca Dove
Optics
Best Binoculars for Beginners
You don't need to spend a fortune. These four pairs will get you birding confidently on day one.
8 min readRead guide
Cameras
Cameras for Bird Photography
From phone adapters to dedicated rigs, here's what actually works for capturing birds in the field.
12 min readRead guide