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Common Ground Dove Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Common Ground Doves are tiny doves with short, round wings, short tails, and short, thin bills. They are stocky, with short legs, and they shuffle as they walk.

    Relative Size

    About the same size as a House Sparrow; slightly smaller than an Inca Dove.

    Relative Sizebetween sparrow and robinbetween sparrow and robin

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 5.9-7.1 in (15-18 cm)
      • Weight: 1.0-1.4 oz (28-40 g)

Regional Differences

Common Ground Doves in the Southeast and Texas are darker and richer in color than the paler and grayer populations of the Southwest.