How to Identify and Classify Doves

1. What is a key characteristic often used to distinguish doves from pigeons?

A) Habitat; doves only live in forests.
B) Size and build; doves are typically smaller and more slender.
C) Color; doves are always white.
D) Diet; doves only eat seeds.

2. What is a common feature of many dove calls?

A) Complex melodies.
B) Loud, screeching noises.
C) Soft, cooing sounds.
D) High-pitched whistles.

3. Which of these doves is known for its distinctive, mournful call?

A) Eurasian Collared-Dove
B) White-winged Dove
C) Mourning Dove
D) Rock Pigeon

4. The Eurasian Collared-Dove is characterized by what distinctive marking?

A) A yellow beak.
B) Blue wingtips.
C) A black half-collar on the nape of its neck.
D) Bright red legs.

5. Where is the typical habitat of the Rock Pigeon (often mistakenly called a dove)?

A) Open grasslands.
B) Urban areas and cliffs.
C) Dense forests.
D) Arctic tundra.

6. What is the primary food source for most dove species?

A) Fish.
B) Fruit.
C) Seeds.
D) Insects.

7. Which of these doves has a white stripe on its wing that is visible in flight?

A) Spotted Dove
B) Inca Dove
C) White-winged Dove
D) Mourning Dove

8. What is a defining characteristic of the Inca Dove's plumage?

A) Solid brown color.
B) Bright green feathers.
C) Scale-like pattern.
D) Iridescent blue sheen.

9. What type of nest do doves typically build?

A) Underground burrows.
B) Cavity nests in trees.
C) Simple platform nests.
D) Elaborate cup-shaped nests.

10. How many eggs do doves typically lay in a clutch?

A) Five to ten.
B) Fifteen to twenty.
C) Three to four.
D) One or two.

11. What color are the legs and feet of a Mourning Dove typically?

A) Pinkish-red.
B) Olive green.
C) Bright yellow.
D) Dark blue.

12. Which dove species is most associated with peace and purity?

A) Rock Pigeon.
B) White dove.
C) Mourning Dove.
D) Eurasian Collared-Dove.

13. Are doves migratory birds?

A) All dove species are migratory.
B) Some species are migratory, others are not.
C) No dove species are migratory.
D) Only doves in tropical regions are migratory.

14. What is the typical lifespan of a dove in the wild?

A) 50-60 years.
B) 10-15 years.
C) 1-5 years.
D) 20-30 years.

15. Which continent is NOT home to native dove species?

A) North America.
B) Africa.
C) Asia.
D) Antarctica.

16. What is the scientific family to which doves belong?

A) Columbidae.
B) Passeridae.
C) Strigidae.
D) Accipitridae.

17. What is a group of doves called?

A) A flight or a dule.
B) A herd.
C) A pack.
D) A gaggle.

18. What behavior is commonly observed in doves during mating season?

A) Hibernation.
B) Migration to colder climates.
C) Hunting in packs.
D) Elaborate courtship displays.

19. Which of the following is a conservation concern for some dove species?

A) Habitat loss.
B) Global cooling.
C) Overpopulation.
D) Increased predation.

20. What characteristic is helpful in differentiating between a male and female Mourning Dove?

A) Females have brighter leg coloration.
B) Males have a distinct crest.
C) Females have longer tails.
D) Males are typically larger and more colorful.

21. Where are White-winged Doves commonly found?

A) Southwestern United States and Mexico.
B) Northeastern United States.
C) Australia.
D) Central Europe.

22. What color is the beak of a White-winged Dove?

A) Yellow.
B) Black.
C) Red.
D) Blue.

23. What is the primary method used to identify doves in the field?

A) Genetic testing.
B) Analysis of feather composition.
C) Visual identification of plumage and markings.
D) Recording and analyzing vocalizations only.

24. Which dove species has adapted particularly well to living in urban environments?

A) White-winged Dove.
B) Rock Pigeon.
C) Inca Dove.
D) Mourning Dove.

25. What do doves feed their young (squabs)?

A) Regurgitated seeds.
B) Crop milk.
C) Insects.
D) Nectar.

26. What is a common predator of doves?

A) Squirrels.
B) Cows.
C) Hawks.
D) Deer.

27. Which dove's range has expanded significantly in recent decades, becoming widespread across North America and Europe?

A) White-winged Dove
B) Mourning Dove
C) Eurasian Collared-Dove
D) Inca Dove

28. What shape is the Mourning Dove's tail?

A) Pointed
B) Forked
C) Square
D) Rounded

29. What is the incubation period for most dove eggs?

A) Approximately 60-75 days.
B) Approximately 14-19 days.
C) Approximately 30-45 days.
D) Approximately 3-5 days.

30. Which dove species is the smallest found in North America?

A) Eurasian Collared-Dove.
B) White-winged Dove.
C) Mourning Dove.
D) Common Ground Dove.

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