Birds & Birding in Costa Rica: (Species Blog #17) – Costa Rica’s national motto and tourism slogan, “La Pura Vida” loosely translates to Live Life or Enjoy Life. With over 900 bird species recorded here, there is certainly lots to enjoy! Join with me as I guide you through the scenic wonderland that is Costa Rica. From the slow-moving waters of the Coastal Mangrove Wetlands to the heights of the Talamanca Páramo, over 300 species of birds will be featured in this blog series. **Some of this Blog Series photos (all taken by me) may have been taken in other nearby countries.

A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain

BIRDS & BIRDING IN COSTA RICA WEBSITE LINK: White-winged Dove

The White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) is a dove species whose native range extends from the Southwestern United States through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. These doves are large and can be distinguished from similar species by the distinctive white edges on their wings. They have blue eyerings and red eyes, with brownish-gray to gray plumage. While some populations are migratory and winter in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, they are increasingly found farther north, even visiting parts of the United States and southern Canada. The White-winged Dove is adaptable to various habitats, including urban areas, and its population status is currently categorized as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

OBSERVATION ANECDOTES

A fairly common lowlands species, the White-winged Dove was seen at most low to mid elevation locations from Rancho Naturalista to San José to Punta Leona along the Pacific Coast.

PHOTO GALLERY

View the three most recent Birds & Birding in Costa Rica series blog posts below.

• A Streak-headed Woodcreeper Feeds its Offspring Near the Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica
• PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding
• SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding
• HOFFMANN’S WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding
• BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding