Did you know Kansas has many doves species? With about 50 million mourning doves, they’re everywhere. But there’s more—the rock pigeon, Eurasian collared-dove, and white-winged dove also live here.
In this guide, we’ll explore each dove’s unique traits, habits, and where they live. You’ll learn about the four dove species in Kansas.
The Graceful Presence of Doves in Kansas
Doves are symbols of peace, hope, and calm in Kansas. These birds are loved for their gentle sounds and beautiful flight. They remind us of the beauty and peace found in the Sunflower State.
Symbolizing Peace and Serenity
Dove symbolism is strong in Kansas. They stand for harmony, purity, and spiritual growth. Seeing a dove can bring calm and make us appreciate nature’s simple joys.
Exploring the Diverse Dove Species in the State
Kansas has many dove species, each unique. From the Mourning Dove to the White-winged Dove, they fascinate bird lovers. They add to the state’s rich avian diversity.
Mourning Dove: The State Bird of Kansas
The mourning dove, known scientifically as Zenaida macroura, is Kansas’s state bird. It’s one of the most common and widespread doves in North America. This bird is a key part of Kansas’s bird life.
Read More: 12 Types of Yellow Birds in Michigan
Identification and Range
The mourning dove is a medium-sized bird, about 31 cm (12 in) long. It weighs between 112–170 g (4.0–6.0 oz). Its feathers are light gray-brown with unique wing and tail markings.
This bird can be found across much of North America. There are five subspecies, each found in different areas.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Mourning doves eat many different plant seeds. They can eat up to 17,200 bluegrass seeds at once. They can fly fast, up to 88 km/h (55 mph), to find food.
Nesting and Breeding Behavior
Mourning doves breed a lot, especially in warm areas. They can raise up to six broods a year, with two young in each. The female builds a simple nest in a tree or ledge.
She lays two white eggs that hatch after 14 days. As Kansas’s state bird, the mourning dove is loved by many. It’s known for its grace and soothing calls. This bird thrives in Kansas, showing its importance in the local ecosystem.
Rock Pigeon: The Urban Dweller
In Kansas, the rock pigeon, or feral pigeon, is a common sight in cities and suburbs. These birds live well with humans, adding to the state’s wildlife.
Physical Characteristics and Adaptability
The rock pigeon, Columba livia, is a medium-sized bird with unique feathers. It has a dark bluish-grey head and shiny feathers on its neck and wings. Its feet are purplish-red. They are 29 to 37 cm long and have a 62 to 72 cm wingspan, making them well-suited for city life.
These pigeons are very adaptable. They come from the wild rock dove and have learned to live near humans. They find plenty of food and places to nest in cities.
Behavior and Habitat Preferences
Rock pigeons are very social and often live in large groups. They are great flyers, able to travel far in search of food and places to nest.
- They like open areas like parks and building ledges for food and nesting.
- They eat seeds, grains, and plants, which are easy to find in cities.
- They find good places to nest, like ledges and gutters, to raise their young.
The rock pigeon’s success in Kansas shows how well they can live in cities. They live alongside humans and add to the state’s bird diversity.
Doves in Kansas
Kansas is home to many dove species, each with its own look and where it likes to live. You can see everything from the famous Mourning Dove to the invasive Eurasian Collared-Dove. Learning about the types of doves in kansas and dove species in kansas helps us appreciate the beauty of the Sunflower State.
The Mourning Dove is the most common dove species in kansas. It’s known for its unique sounds and how often it breeds. You can find these doves all over the state, especially in fields and backyards. On the other hand, the Rock Pigeon, or Rock Dove, loves the city. It does well in places made by humans.
- Eurasian Collared-Doves, an invasive species in kansas, have quickly spread since they arrived in the Bahamas in the 1970s. Now, you see them in many Kansas towns.
- The White-winged Dove, a southern bird, has also come to Kansas. It likes the state’s varied places to live and food sources.
These doves in kansas add to the state’s rich bird life. Each dove plays a special part in its ecosystem. Knowing about their traits and habits helps us value the natural beauty around us in Kansas.
Eurasian Collared-Dove: The Invasive Visitor
The Eurasian collared-dove, known scientifically as Streptopelia decaocto, is an invasive species. It has quickly spread across North America, including Kansas. This dove is easy to spot with its black collar and pale gray feathers. It’s a common sight in many parts of the state, offering both challenges and opportunities for wildlife lovers and hunters.
Rapid Expansion and Characteristics
The Eurasian collared-dove comes from Eurasia and arrived in North America in the 1970s. In Kansas, they are now very common, making up about 30% of the doves hunted during mourning dove season. Their ability to adapt and thrive in different habitats, like cities and farms, has helped them spread fast.
Habitat Preferences and Nesting Habits
The Eurasian collared-dove likes areas with open spaces and trees or buildings. They often nest near farmhouses, silos, and other structures. This gives them a safe place to nest and find food.
They build simple nests using sticks and reuse the same spot every year. Knowing how this invasive species affects Kansas wildlife is key. As they grow in number, it’s important to keep an eye on them and adjust management plans to keep the ecosystem balanced.
White-winged Dove: The Southern Wanderer
The white-winged dove, known scientifically as Zenaida asiatica, is expanding its range northward. It has been spotted in parts of Kansas. This dove is known for its striking white wing patches, adding to Kansas’s bird diversity.
Distinctive Markings and Range
The white-winged dove has a wingspan of about 50 cm and weighs 140-170 grams. Its most notable feature is the white patches on its wings, visible even when flying. Originally found in the southern U.S., from Texas to California, they now reach southern Canada.
Feeding Habits and Behavior
- The white-winged dove eats seeds, grains, and fruits.
- They work together to shake seeds from trees for others.
- Agricultural fields, especially those with cereal grains, are a big food source.
- Male doves have special perches to call, especially in May and June.
- Nestlings start making noise at two days old and beg for food by five days old.
The white-winged dove’s adaptability and expanding range make it more common in Kansas. It adds to the state’s diverse bird population.
Dove Hunting in Kansas
Kansas is a top spot for dove hunting, offering lots of chances to catch these beautiful birds. Whether you’re experienced or new, knowing the rules and best ways to hunt is key for a fun and respectful hunt.
Regulations and Licensing Requirements
The dove hunting in kansas season starts on September 1 and ends on November 29. Hunters can go after mourning, white-winged, Eurasian collared, and ringed turtle doves. You can catch up to 15 doves a day, mixing mourning and white-winged doves. Eurasian collared and ringed turtle doves have no limit, but you can only take migratory doves while they’re flying.
To hunt legally in Kansas, you need a valid hunting license and a Kansas Migratory Game Bird Stamp. Knowing the dove hunting licensing rules is important before you start hunting.
Hunting Strategies and Best Practices
Good dove hunting strategies in Kansas mean finding places with lots of food, like fields and grasslands. Doves like water and places to hide. Using decoys, choosing the right spot, and changing your plan based on the weather can help you catch more doves.
Whether you’re hunting alone or with a group, it’s important to hunt responsibly and ethically. Knowing the rules and using smart hunting methods will make your dove hunting trip in Kansas both fun and successful.
Dove Banding and Population Monitoring
Dove banding and population monitoring are key for wildlife biologists and conservation groups in Kansas. They help track dove migration and population trends. This data is crucial for understanding dove ecology and making decisions to protect them.
Tracking Migration Patterns and Population Growth
The mourning dove banding program started in 2003. It has given us a lot of information about dove populations. Before the 2018 hunting season, there were about 249 million doves nationwide.
In the 2018-19 season, 694,000 hunters took down 10.3 million doves across the U.S. Nebraska saw 11,600 hunters bag 189,100 doves.
Nebraska’s banding efforts are impressive, with 780,532 doves banded from 2003 to 2019. They also got 48,095 band returns. This showed doves can travel far, like one banded in 2010 being found in Mexico seven years later.
In Kansas, 1,478 doves were banded in 2006 at eight stations. The data showed 70% of banded adults were males, 26% females, and 4% unknown. It also showed that most young doves hatched between 20 May-30 June, with a peak in late May.
These efforts are vital for understanding dove migration patterns and dove population growth in Kansas. They help guide dove banding in kansas and shape conservation strategies to protect these birds.
Backyard Birding: Attracting Doves
If you love nature in Kansas, you’ve probably seen doves in your backyard. These birds, especially mourning doves, are a joy to watch. They bring peace to any outdoor area. By making your yard dove-friendly, you can see them all year.
Feeding Stations and Preferences
Doves like well-stocked feeding stations. Offer millet, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn. Mourning doves, Kansas’s state bird, love these foods. Put your feeders in open spots, not in thick plants, for easy access.
Creating a Dove-Friendly Environment
- Keep a birdbath or shallow dish filled with fresh water for them to drink and keep their feathers clean.
- Plant native shrubs and trees with dense leaves for nesting and roosting. Doves like safe places.
- Don’t use pesticides or herbicides. They can harm the insects and plants doves need for food and nesting.
- Install perches or platforms for doves to rest and watch their surroundings.
With these easy steps, you can make your Kansas backyard a dove haven. Enjoy their peaceful presence all year.
Doves in Kansas: A Symphony of Flight
The skies of Kansas are filled with doves, their flight creating a beautiful symphony. With four dove species, these birds bring peace and calm to the state. Their flight is a dance that adds serenity to Kansas.
Looking up, you’ll see mourning doves flying high. Their cooing calls fill the air. These birds are known for their beauty and can live in both country and city areas. They play a big role in the local ecosystem.
In cities, rock pigeons thrive, showing how well they can live among humans. Their looks and actions show they fit well in Kansas’s different places.
- The Eurasian collared-dove is a new bird in Kansas, adding to the state’s bird songs.
- The white-winged dove is a rare visitor from the south. It’s seen in Kansas, drawing bird lovers with its unique look and eating habits.
When you’re in Kansas, take a moment to watch the doves fly. Their flight and sounds make a magical experience. It shows us the beauty and peace of nature.
Conservation Efforts and Future Outlook
The diverse dove species in Kansas are doing well, thanks to ongoing conservation efforts. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks works with local groups to protect doves. They focus on monitoring and managing dove populations across the state.
Habitat preservation is a big part of dove conservation in kansas. Efforts aim to keep natural grasslands, fields, and woods healthy. These places are crucial for doves to nest and find food. By working with landowners, the state helps protect these areas.
Dove population trends are watched closely through surveys and banding. This data helps wildlife experts make smart decisions. They balance hunting rules with dove conservation, ensuring these birds stay safe.
The future of doves in kansas looks bright. With everyone working together, doves will keep flying in Kansas skies. By raising awareness and protecting habitats, future Kansans will enjoy seeing these birds.
