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Zenaida macroura
This is a mourning dove in winter plumage? It is usually more rust colored . But in the winter it develops a purplish tinge ? or is this a male?. http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mourn...
Spotted on Feb 8, 2012
Submitted on Feb 8, 2012
1 Comment
The plumage is generally light gray-brown and lighter and pinkish below. The wings have black spotting, and the outer tail feathers are white, contrasting with the black inners. Below the eye is a distinctive crescent-shaped area of dark feathers. The eyes are dark, with light skin surrounding them. The adult male has bright purple-pink patches on the neck sides, with light pink coloring reaching the breast. The crown of the adult male is a distinctly bluish-grey color. Females are similar in appearance, but with more brown coloring overall. The iridescent feather patches on the neck above the shoulders are nearly absent, but can be quite vivid on males. Juvenile birds have a scaly appearance, and are generally darker