The White-tipped Dove is a large, plump dove of the South Texas brushlands, reaching the northern edge of its range in the Rio Grande Valley. Largely terrestrial, it walks slowly along the ground beneath dense brush, feeding on seeds and small fruits. Its most distinctive feature — the white corners of its tail — flash briefly in flight. Its call is one of the most unusual sounds in South Texas: a low, resonant hollow note like blowing across the top of a bottle.
Year-Round ResidentRGV SpecialtyGround FeederSecretive
About This Bird
Did You Know?
The White-tipped Dove's call is so low in frequency that it can be felt as much as heard — on calm mornings at VNC, the resonant "hoom" call carries hundreds of yards through the woodland.
Field Notes
Diet
Seeds, small fruits, some invertebrates
Range
Texas RGV through South America
Nesting
Flimsy platform in dense brush
Social
Usually solitary or pairs
Call
Low, hollow "hoom" note
Tolerance
Year-round Valley resident
Birding Tips at VNC
- Listen for the low hollow call — learn it and you'll hear it everywhere at VNC
- Walk slowly and look along the ground beneath dense brush
- Watch for white tail corners flashing briefly when the bird flushes
- Most active in early morning when it moves to feed along trail edges
See These Birds in Person
Valley Nature Center is open Tue–Fri 9am–4pm, Sat 9am–5pm, Sun noon–5pm. Admission $3–$6. Members free.
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