Resource Utilization and Nesting Ecology of the White-Winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) in Central Trans-Pecos, Texas

Abstract

The White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica), a native of the Chihuahuan Desert Region, is a recent immigrant to the central Trans-Pecos of Texas. Because its range is documented as recently expanding northward into and beyond this area, data pertaining to its nesting ecology and habitat preferences are of considerable importance in assessing its reproductive biology and management. Fifty active or recent nests of white-winged doves in and around Alpine, Texas, were located and studied. Tree species in which the nests were constructed were identified, as were tree height, and mean nest height; nest contents were also documented. Eighty percent ofthe nests were located in Cupresus arizonica Greene (Arizona Cypress) which appears to provide the most suitable nesting requirements for these economically important game birds.