White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Leptotila ("delicate feather") verreauxi (for the two Verreaux brothers)

 

White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Leptotila verreauxi verreauxi
Weight: 155g  /  Length: 28cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A widespread pigeon species found from the US Southern Border to Argentina with a range that includes most of Brazil. Despite this, for a pigeon it is a shy and wary species that I heard more than saw. They are a fairly solitary species and are usually only seen alone or in pairs.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Leptotila
SUBSPECIES: L. v. capitalis, L. v. angelica, L. v. fulviventris, L. v. bangsi, L. v. nuttingi, L. v. verreauxi, L. v. tobagensis, L. v. hernandezi, L. v. decolor, L. v. brasiliensis, L. v. approximans, L. v. decipiens, L. v. chlorauchenia

 
- Sighting Locations - 

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Paloma Montaraz Común

Found on the West Coat
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Zenaida (named for Princess Zénaïde Bonaparte) asiatica (Asian - erroneously)

 

White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Zenaida asiatica australis
Weight: 150g/kg  /  Length: 29cm  /  Wingspan: 48-58cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A widespread and common species whose core range forms a triangle between Southern California, the Lesser Antilles and Costa Rica. They are are versatile species habitat wise with them adapting well to human habitation, but also deserts through to tropical forests. They are a popular target for hunters, being the second most shot bird species in the USA with over a million shot annually in Texas alone, but despite this their range is expanding.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Zenaida
SUBSPECIES: Z. a. asiatica, Z. a. australis, Z. a. mearnsi
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Paloma de alas blancas ("White-winged Dove")

Found on West Coast
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Ruddy Ground Dove (Columbina talpacoti)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Columbina ("dove like") talpacoti ("red dove" from Nahuatl)

 

Ruddy Ground Dove (Columbina talpacoti) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Columbina talpacoti rufipennis
Weight: 47g  /  Length: 17cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Despite not being the species known as the common ground dove, it is actually the most widely distributed member of columbina, being found across most of South America East of the Andes as well as Central America as far North as Northern Mexico. They have generally adapted well to human caused habitat change, although they do experience competition from other pigeon species.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Columbina
SUBSPECIES: C. t. caucae, C. t. talpacoti, C. t. rufipennis, C. t. talpacoti
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA 
Common and widespread outside Highlands
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Inca Dove (Columbina inca)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Columbina ("dove like") inc (named for the Inca people - erroneously)

 

Inca Dove (Columbina inca) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 30-58g  /  Length: 16.5-23cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Despite the name, the Inca Dove has nothing to do with the Inca people but rather has a range of the Southern US Border States down to Costa Rica where it is common and has adapted well to human habitation, often frequenting farmland and other urban settings. They are currently expanding their range in both the North and South.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Columbina
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Tórtola Inca
Found in North West Costa Rica
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Common Ground Dove (Columbina passerina)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Columbina ("dove like") passerina ("sparrow like")

 

Common Ground Dove (Columbina passerina) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Columbina passerina neglecta
Weight: 26-40g  /  Length: 15-18cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A very small species of dove found from the Southern US to Brazil and one of the lightest weight of all columbiforme species. They favour open habitats with room for them to forage on the ground, which as their name suggests is their prefered feeding method, particularly of seeds and fruits. They mate for life and can have 2-3 broods a year. 
 
Related Species: 
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Columbina
SUBSPECIES: C. p. passerina, C. p. pallescens, C. p. socorroensis, C. p. neglecta, C. p. bahamensis, C. p. exigua, C. p. insularis, C. p. umbrina, C. p. jamaicensis, C. p. portoricensis, C. p. nigrirostris, C. p. trochila, C. p. antillarum, C. p. aflavida, C. p. parvula, C. p. nana, C. p. quitensis

 
- Sighting Locations - 

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Tortolita Azul ("Blue Dove")
A widespread and common species
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Ruddy Pigeon (Patagioenas subvinacea)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology:  Patagioenas (clatter pigeon) subvinacea ("slightly wine company")

Ruddy Pigeon (Patagioenas subvinacea) at San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica - November 2025

 Featured Subspecies: Patagioenas subvinacea subvinacea
Weight: 170g  /  Length: 28cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A pigeon found in the Central Mountains of Costa Rica, though much of it's range consists of the Amazon basin. At lower altitudes it is replaced by the similar short-billed pigeon. They normally feed in tree tops, and are particularly partial to mistletoe.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Patagioenas
SUBSPECIES: P. s. subvinacea, P. s. berlepschi, P. s. ruberrima, P. s. zuliae, P. s. peninsularis, P. s. ogilviegranti, P. s. purpureotincta, P. s. recondita
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Paloma Vinosa ("Wine-coloured Dove")
Found in Central Highlands
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at San Gerardo de Dota

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Red-billed Pigeon (Patagioenas flavirostris)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Patagioenas (clatter pigeon) flavirostris ("yellow billed")  

Red-billed Pigeon (Patagioenas flavirostris) at San Jose, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Patagioenas flavirostris minima
Weight: 230-425g  /  Length: 30-37cm  /  Wingspan: 45-56cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A large pigeon with rust and slate colours that is one of the more common pigeon species in urban Costa Rica. They range just up to the very Southern border of Texas and Costa Rica represents the Southernmost point of their range. They are primarily frugivores who spend their time in trees and bushes eating berries. Despite the name, only the base of their bill is notably red.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Patagioenas
SUBSPECIES: P. f. restricta, P. f. madrensis, P. f. flavirostris, P. f. minima
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Paloma morada ("Purple Dove")

A widespread species found throughout all but the Southern border of Costa Rica
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Alajuela and San Jose

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Patagioenas (clatter pigeon) fasciata ("band") 

Flock of Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata) at San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rice - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Patagioenas fasciata crissalis
Weight: 342-364g  /  Length: 33-40cm  /  Wingspan: 66cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A large pigeon that represents the closest living relative of the extinct passenger pigeon, they are found along the Western borders and Coast of the US up to around Vancouver, as well as a sporadic distribution at higher altitudes through Central America and down into the Andres. They also have the distinction of being the sole native pigeon of California. 
 
Related Species: 
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Patagioenas
SUBSPECIES: P.f. monilis, P. f. fasciata, P. f. albiliea, P. f. crissalis, P. f. letonai, P. f. parva, P. f. roraimae, P. f. vioscae
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Paloma de Collar ("Collared Pigeon")
Found in Central Highlands
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at San Gerardo de Dota

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis)

OTHER NAMES: Laughing Turtle Dove, Palm Dove, Senegal Dove, Little Brown Dove 
Latin Etymology: Spilopelia ("spot dove") senegalensis ("of Senegal")

Adult Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis) at Side, Antalya, Turkey - March 2025

Featured Subspecies: Spilopelia senegalensis senegalensis
Weight: 70-92g  /  Length: 25cm  /  Wingspan: 45cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A small and dainty species of pigeon that has adapted well to living around humans and has an extensive range from East Africa to Western China, generally in warm and dry habitats. They are often seen in pairs or small groups foraging on the ground. Their British language name comes from their call which does indeed have a slightly laugh like quality to it.

Related Species:
ORDER: Columbiformes
FAMILY: Columbidae
GENUS: Spilopelia
SUBSPECIES: S. s. phoenicophila, S. s. aegyptiaca, S. s. sengegalensis, S. s. cambayensis, S. s. ermanni

 - Sighting Locations -

TURKEY  - Turkish: Küçük kumru ("Little dove")
 - ANTALYA 2025 TRIP - A common and abundant resident throughout.

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)

OTHER NAMES: American Mourning Dove, Rain Dove, Turtle Dove
Latin Etymology: Zenaida (named for Princess Zénaïde Bonaparte) macroura ("long tailed")

Mourning Dove (subspecies Z. m. marginella) at San Jose, California - August 2022

Featured Subspecies: Zenaida macroura marginella
Weight: 112-170g  /  Length: 31cm  /  Wingspan: 37-45cm
NO UK STATUS/ IUCN Red List: Least Concern

One of the most ubiquitous species across the entire Lower 48 states of the USA, the mourning dove is a familiar small pigeon whose name derives from its somewhat melancholy call. This success is in part aided by the fact that they are incredibly prolific breeders - given suitably comfortable habitats they have been known to raise six broods in a season, allowing them to still increase despite their high mortality rate - it is believed 20 million are shot annually by human hunters alone!

Related Species:
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Zenaida
SUBSPECIES: Z. m. marginella, Z. m. carolinensis, Z. m. macroura, Z. m. clarionensis, Z. m. turturilla

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES 
A widespread and abundant species resident in much of the country, and breeding visitor to the majority of the rest.
 - CALIFORNIA 2022 TRIP: Seen at Berkeley, San Jose, Monterey and San Francisco

 Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Red Collared Dove (Streptopelia tranquebarica)

OTHER NAMES: Red Turtle Dove
Latin Etymology: Streptopelia ("collar-dove") tranquebarica ("of Tranquebar" a city in India) 

Adult male Red Collared Dove (subspecies S. t. humilis)  near Siem Reap, Cambodia - February 2019

Featured Subspecies: Streptopelia tranquebarica humilis
Weight: 104g  /  Length: 20-23cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The red-collared dove is a close relation of the Eurasian species that has spread throughout much of Europe.  Both species however are widely distributed in India, with the Red spreading more East, while the Eurasian headed West.  Despite the name, only the male is "red", (or at least, a sort of terracotta colour) while the female is much more in line with the colours of the Eurasian, being a sort of pale tea coloured.

Related Species:
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Streptopelia
SUBSPECIES: S. t. tranquebarica, S. t. humilis

 - Sighting Locations -

CAMBODIA - Khmer name: លលកទ្រាំង ("dove")

A common resident.

SINGAPORE / CAMBODIA 2019 TRIP - A flock seen near the outskirts of Siem Reap

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto .

Pink-necked Green Pigeon (Treron vernans)

OTHER NAMES: Pink-necked Pigeon

Latin Etymology: Treron ("timid/dove") vernans ("blossoming")

Four Adult Male Pink-necked Green Pigeon (Treron vernans) at Malacca, Malaysia - July 2016

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 105-160g  /  Length: 25cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern 

A fairly common species found throughout much of South East Asia, the Pink-necked Pigeon is an arboreal species best found in the tops of trees.   They are the only green pigeon in much of its range to be found in urban environments, including as in this case, the centers of fairly large cities.  The colouration is distinctive in the males though can be confused with the similar Orange-breasted Pigeon while the females are a much more uniform green which requires a closer inspection to be sure of.

Related Species:
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Treron
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic* 

 - Sighting Locations -

MALAYSIA - Malay - Punai Gading ("Ivory Pigeon")

A locally common resident

 - MALAYSIA/SINGAPORE 2016 TRIP: A single flock of around 15-20 birds feeding in central Malacca

SINGAPORE - A common resident.

 - CAMBODIA/SINGAPORE 2019 TRIP: Seen around Ang Mo Kio

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

*This is an unusual case - there are up to eight subspecies of the Pink-necked Green Pigeon described, but none have been accepted by the usual major authorities. .

Little Cuckoo-Dove (Macropygia ruficeps)

OTHER NAMES: Lesser Red Cuckoo-Dove, Red-faced Cuckoo Dove

Latin Etymology: Macropygia ("long-rumped") ruficeps ("rufous headed")

Adult Little-Cuckoo Dove (subspecies M. r. malayana) at Genting Highlands, Malaysia - July 2016

Featured Subspecies: Macropygia ruficeps malayana
Weight: ?  /  Length: 30cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

I must admit for a species I only saw on one day, I was getting a little vexed by this species by the end of it - it was the most abundant bird I saw in the forests of the Genting Highlands but frequently seemed to fly in with other flocks, dislodging other potentially new birds deeper into the foliage while rarely exposing itself well enough for me to get a good photo.  Nonetheless, an attractive species and it's deep rust colouration is very distinctive for a dove - a family which I normally associate with soft pastely colours.

Related Species:
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Macropygia
SUBSPECIES: M. r. assimilis, M. r. engelbachi, M. r. malayana, M. r. nana, M. r. orientalis, M. r. ruficeps, M. r. simalurensis, M. r. sumatrana

 - Sighting Locations -

MALAYSIA - Malay - Tekukur Api ("Fire Turtledove") 

A locally common resident.

 - MALAYSIA/SINGAPORE 2016 TRIP: Abundant at Genting Highlands

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto .

Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata)

OTHER NAMES: Peaceful Dove*

Latin Etymology: Geopelia ("ground dove") striata ("striated")

Adult Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) at KL City Centre Park - July 2016

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 57g  /  Length: 20-23cm  /  Wingspan: 24-26cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

By the standards of the Pigeons and Doves we have in Britain, the Zeba Dove is a really tiny species - less than half the weight of a collared dove, and only a little larger than a sparrow.  In Kuala Lumpur they were abundant - usually in pairs, and were found in just about any location where there were trees, regardless of how busy the location - I saw them in train stations, busy tourist attractions and very artificial parks.  They are also one of the most tame species in the country, coming close to people in locations where there is a chance of food.  

Related Species:
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Geopelia
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 - Sighting Locations -

MALAYSIA - Malay - Merbuk

Abundant resident.

 - MALAYSIA/SINGAPORE 2016 TRIP: Abundant in Kuala Lumpur 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, BirdGuides, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

* This name was in use officially, but the species was split 3 ways - the Zebra Dove keeping that name, the Barred Dove (Geopelei maugei) and the Peaceful Dove became the name of Geopelia placida - the Australian and New Guinea equivalent - however, "Peaceful Dove" is still used to refer to the Zebra Dove a lot in material I have seen. .

Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis)

OTHER NAMES: Eastern Spotted Dove

Latin Etymology: Spilopelia ("spot dove") chinensis ("of China")

Adult Spotted Dove (subspecies S. c. tigrina) in Kuala Lumpur - July 2016

Featured Subspecies: Spilopelia chinensis tigrina
Weight: 160g  /  Length: 30-33 cm  /  Wingspan: 43-48cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

After feral pigeons, the Spotted Dove was the most common member of the pigeon family encountered in Malaysia, a common bird of parks, gardens and general rural spaces.  It has a very wide range, including places where it has been introduced, and can now be found over much of Southern Asia, Australia and a number of islands.  A fairly communal bird, they often travel around in pairs or small flocks.

Related Species:
ORDER: Columbiformes
FAMILY: Columbidae
GENUS: Spilopelia
SUBSPECIES: S. c. tigrina, S. c. chinensis, S. c. suratensis

 - Sighting Locations -

CAMBODIA - Khmer - លលកបាយ ("Dove")

A common resident

 - CAMBODIA/SINGAPORE 2019 TRIP: Seen in Siem Reap

MALAYSIA - Malay - Tekukur

An abundant resident.

 - MALAYSIA/SINGAPORE 2016 TRIP: Abundant throughout Malaysia, especially in Kuala Lumpur and Malacca
SINGAPORE - A common resident.

 - MALAYSIA/SINGAPORE 2016 TRIP: Several seen near Lower Peirce Reservoir.
 - CAMBODIA/SINGAPORE 2019 TRIP: Seen in small numbers throughout.

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto .

Oriental Turtle Dove (Streptopelia orientalis)

OTHER NAMES: Rufous Turtle Dove

Latin Etymology: Streptopelia ("collar-dove") orientalis ("oriental")

Adult Oriental Turtle Dove (subspecies S. o. orientalis) at Arashiyama, Japan - July 2013

Featured Subspecies: Streptopelia orientalis orientalis
Weight: 165-274g  /  Length: 33-35cm  /  Wingspan: 55cm
NO UK STATUS  / IUCN Red List Least Concern

While it closely resembles the European Turtle Dove, it's role in Japan is more consistent with that of the Collared Dove in the UK - a numerous bird found in parkland and in cities.  As with the collared dove, it is a confiding species which permits close views.  It is found throughout much of East Asia, including Japan.  I saw it a number of times on both my trips to Japan, though generally on both occasions while it was found in the more urban sections of the city, this tended to be alongside to rivers with trees.  At the Monkey Sanctuary of Arashiyama they were a bit bolder, presumably learning to be tame to get a share of the food meant for the monkeys.

Related Species:
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Streptopelia
Subspecies: S. o. meena, S. o . orientalis, S. o. stimpsoni, S. o. orii, S. o . erythrocephala, S. o . agricola

- Sighting Locations -

JAPAN - Japanese - キジバト  /  Kiji-bato ("Pheasant Pigeon")

Very common resident. 

 - KYOTO/OSAKA 2013 TRIP: Common throughout Kyoto and Arashiyama

 - TOKYO/HOKKAIDO 2014 TRIP: Fairly common in Tokyo

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, BirdGuides, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto .

European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur)

OTHER NAMES: Turtle Dove
Latin Etymology: Streptopelia ("collar-dove") turtur ("turtle dove")

Adult European Turtle Dove (subspecies S. t. turtur) at Brigstock, Northants - July 2011

Featured Subspecies: Stretopelia turtur turtur
Weight: 130g  /  Length: 24-29cm  /  Wingspan: 47-55cm
UK RED LIST / IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The rarest of the five members of the pigeon family found in the UK, it resembles the Collared Dove but with a mottled brown and black back. Increasingly rare for reasons which include loss of habitat and poaching as it migrates over the Mediterranean. The best way to locate it is to listen for its call, which sounds like it is vibrating version of a pigeon call. It is our only migrant pigeon and thus is only found for a few months during the summer.

Related Species:
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbiidae
Genus: Streptopelia
Subspecies: S. t. turtur, S. t. arenicola, S. t. hoggara, S. t. rufescens

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - Rare and decreasing Summer migrant (14,000 territories)

 - Seen on several occasions in Summer at Fermyn Woods and heard at Rye Harbour

ITALY - Italian - Tortora Comune ("Common Turtledove")

A Summer migrant.

 - SICILY 2018 TRIP - One seen at Fiume Ciane 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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