[TN-Bird] Inca Dove (Hamblen Co., TN)

October 28, 2006
Morristown, Hamblen Co., TN

The Inca Dove observed several times by Ben Britton since October 18 was seen 
again this evening by three regional birders.  Jim Holt (of Greeneville) and I 
visited Ben in Morristown late today, and the three of us watched the dove from 
5:54 until 6:04.  

We had great looks at the bird from a distance of approximately 75-100 feet as 
it came in to feed.  Several field marks were visible:

** small overall size (about that of a cardinal, with a chunkier body)
** pale face
** pale grayish plumage, with light brown overtones
** "scaly" appearance, especially on the upperparts
** fairly long square-tipped tail, with white on the outer feathers, bordered 
by black (tail much longer than on Common Ground-Dove)
** rufous in primaries (visible only briefly on one or two occasions)
** dark bill
** pale pink feet 

The bird's flight was quick, with a notable suddenness as it took off and moved 
from place to place.  Birders who are accustomed to the deliberate movements of 
Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, and Eurasian Collared-Dove may be surprised by the 
actions of this bird.

We heard no vocalization or wing sounds.  (Had we not been a fair distance 
away, and had there not been quite a bit of background suburb noise, we would 
probably have heard the wing rattle.)

Nothing about the bird, other than its small size, was strongly suggestive of 
Common Ground-Dove, and the plumage details we saw quickly ruled out that 
species.  It was also immediately apparent that we were not looking at a 
juvenile Mourning Dove.

Tennessee birders should be grateful that this dove happened to show up in the 
yard of an experienced birder such as Ben.  Thanks to his alertness a few days 
ago, we all now have a chance to gather info on an important species observed 
only a few times in Tennessee.  

Inca Dove is one of many species currently undergoing a range expansion.  I 
believe that Ben's report on October 18 was probably the first for Inca Dove in 
Tennessee northeast of Knoxville.  Needless to say, any other observations of 
this bird should be carefully recorded.  Additionally, as Dean Edwards 
suggested a few days ago, it is important for Ben to submit a report to the 
Tennessee Bird Records Committee for TOS action. 



Don Miller
Greeneville, Greene Co., TN

pandion@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

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