Do all Mourning Doves have blue circles around their eyes? While taking pictures of a family of Mourning Doves eating seeds in my back yard, I noticed the father was watching for...

Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

While taking pictures of a family of Mourning Doves eating seeds in my back yard, I noticed the father was watching for predators, while the mother was monitoring the progress of the juvenile offspring. Also, I was surprised that none of the three had the blue ring around their eyes that I have been used to seeing in my yard in the past. Would the experienced bird photographers in UHH please share their knowledge about Mourning Doves with me by explaining if there are different subspecies of Mourning Doves that have different colorations around their eyes or no colored ring around their eyes at all? Thank you in advance. Shooter41

(Download)

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Don’t know about the eyes, but I do like the photo.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

All the ones i've seen do!

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Shooter41 wrote:

While taking pictures of a family of Mourning Dove... (show quote)

Those look like "White Winged" doves though Kansas is a bit far north for them. But we are getting birds moving their range in settled areas because the food and water is good, esp when people feed them in their yards.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-winged_Dove/id

RPSteiner

robertjerl wrote:

Those look like "White Winged" doves though Kansas is a bit far north for them. But we are getting birds moving their range in settled areas because the food and water is good, esp when people feed them in their yards.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-winged_Dove/id

I agree with Robert. These are white-winged doves. The range map in iBird Plus shows their range extending into southwest Kansas. Cool sighting and nice capture.

Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

Ched49 wrote:

All the ones i've seen do!

Dear Ched49...Yes, that has been my experience as well. Shooter41

Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

robertjerl wrote:

Those look like "White Winged" doves though Kansas is a bit far north for them. But we are getting birds moving their range in settled areas because the food and water is good, esp when people feed them in their yards.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-winged_Dove/id

Dear robertjerl...I think you are correct about them being White Winged doves. Thank you for sharing www.allaboutbirds.org. Early each morning before the sun is fully up, I hear their "Whoo..ooo.ooo" and now understand who it is out there while they are deciding if it is safe to come in for breakfast every morning if it is not raining. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, sir. Shooter41

Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

RPSteiner wrote:

I agree with Robert. These are white-winged doves. The range map in iBird Plus shows their range extending into southwest Kansas. Cool sighting and nice capture.

Dear RPSteiner...I think the White Winged doves have now moved more into Southcentral Kansas and like the seed I put out for them. Thank you for sharing. I now recognize their "Whooo...ooo...ooo" call early each morning before the sun is fully up, when it is not raining. Shooter41

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Shooter41 wrote:

While taking pictures of a family of Mourning Dove... (show quote)

Blue rings? Seems like only those who are tricked into looking through those weird binoculars by their bird friends

Lovely shot

photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA

Shooter41 wrote:

While taking pictures of a family of Mourning Dove... (show quote)

Well done, I enjoy hearing them in our neighborhood, two nested in our front yard once.

Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

joecichjr wrote:

Blue rings? Seems like only those who are tricked ... (show quote)

Dear joecichjr...THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR HUMOROUS COMMENTS, JOE!

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Shooter41 wrote:

Dear robertjerl...I think you are correct about them being White Winged doves. Thank you for sharing www.allaboutbirds.org. Early each morning before the sun is fully up, I hear their "Whoo..ooo.ooo" and now understand who it is out there while they are deciding if it is safe to come in for breakfast every morning if it is not raining. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, sir. Shooter41

You are welcome.

Mustanger Loc: Grants Pass, Oregon USA

Wonderful pic of a Dove family! Thanks!!

I could post a couple pics of the Mourning Dove showing the Blue eye ring & the difference in the wings if you wanted OP? They just landed in my backyard a couple days ago. But no matter if you don't need them. Take care, Walt

Tom DePuy Loc: Waxhaw, N.C.

Shooter41 wrote:

While taking pictures of a family of Mourning Dove... (show quote)

Here is a photo I took earlier today in the process of blinking...

(Download)

Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

Mustanger wrote:

Wonderful pic of a Dove family! Thanks!!

I could post a couple pics of the Mourning Dove showing the Blue eye ring & the difference in the wings if you wanted OP? They just landed in my backyard a couple days ago. But no matter if you don't need them. Take care, Walt

Dear Mustanger...Thank you for your comments. I'm glad to see that someone else enjoys capturing images of the Mourning Doves, as well. I'm good. Take care. Shooter41