A "chocolate" Mourning Dove

photo by Jim Parks

One of several unusually dark Mourning Doves reported from
Sweetwater Wetlands on the west side of Tucson in February-March 2001.
One possible explanation for the unusual color of these birds
is contact with a foreign substance such as oil
(note the disheveled plumage and unusually prominent eyering
of the bird below).

Unusually dark White-winged Doves are also reported occasionally,
though these are usually in immature plumage.

A "chocolate" Mourning Dove

Photo Copyright 2001 Jim Parks Use or distribution without the express consent of the photographer is prohibited by international law.

Photo Copyright 2001 Jim Parks
Use or distribution without the express consent of the photographer is prohibited by international law.