Texas is home to a diverse array of bird species, including several species of doves. While many dove species can be legally hunted during dove hunting season in Texas, there are some protected dove species that cannot be hunted in the state.
Overview of Doves in Texas
There are four main species of doves that are found in Texas:
- Mourning Dove
- White-winged Dove
- Eurasian Collared-Dove
- Inca Dove
The most common dove species in the state is the mourning dove. The mourning dove is a medium-sized dove with a long pointed tail. They have a light gray-brown body, with black spots on the wings and pale gray underneath. Mourning doves are found statewide and are a popular game bird for hunting in Texas.
White-winged doves are larger than mourning doves and have white bands on their wings. They are found mainly in south Texas. White-winged doves are migratory, wintering in Mexico and breeding in Texas during the spring and summer. Like mourning doves, white-winged doves are legally hunted in Texas.
Eurasian collared-doves are an invasive species that were introduced to Texas in the 1980s. They are light gray-brown overall, with a distinctive black collar on the back of their neck. Their populations have increased steadily and can now be found across much of the state.
Inca doves are the smallest dove species in Texas. They have scaly gray-brown plumage with a long tapered tail marked with white edges. Inca doves are restricted to extreme south Texas in the Rio Grande Valley.
Protected Dove Species
While the main dove species in Texas can be hunted during the designated hunting season, there are some species that are protected and cannot be hunted in the state. The protected dove species found in Texas include:
- Common ground-dove
- Key West quail-dove
- Ruddy quail-dove
- Bridled quail-dove
- White-tipped dove
- Bare-eyed pigeon
These protected species are either not native to the state, have very limited ranges, or have suffered population declines making hunting unsustainable.
Common Ground-Dove
The common ground-dove is considered threatened in Texas. They are the smallest dove species in North America. Common ground-doves have reddish-brown plumage with black spots on the wings and metallic purple markings on the neck. They are found in brushy areas of south Texas.
Common ground-doves have experienced population declines due to habitat loss. Hunting and nest parasitism by cowbirds have also impacted their numbers. Because of these threats, common ground-doves are protected in Texas.
Key West Quail-Dove and Ruddy Quail-Dove
The Key West quail-dove and ruddy quail-dove are rare species found only in the very southern tip of Texas. Specifically, they occur on the barrier islands of South Padre Island in Cameron County.
Key West quail-doves are medium-sized doves with a bluish-gray body and rusty wings. Ruddy quail-doves are about the same size but more reddish overall. Both species inhabit brushy areas on the island.
These quail-doves have very limited ranges in Texas. Protecting them helps conserve the island’s fragile ecosystem. Hunting these species is prohibited under federal and state laws.
Bridled Quail-Dove
The bridled quail-dove is rarely found in Texas and is limited to the lower Rio Grande valley. They are a medium-sized dove with pale gray and brown plumage and a distinguishing black and white striped nape. Their preferred habitat is tropical woodlands and brushy areas.
This quail-dove’s limited range and small population in the state mean hunting could quickly decimate their numbers. The bridled quail-dove is designated as threatened in Texas and is protected from hunting.
White-tipped Dove
White-tipped doves are a declining species in Texas. These slender pale gray doves have white edging on their tail feathers and wing coverts. They are found in sparse, arid brushlands. Their range is limited to southern Texas with isolated populations near the Rio Grande.
Habitat loss and excessive hunting have caused the white-tipped dove to disappear across much of its former range. The species is now protected in Texas to support its conservation.
Bare-eyed Pigeon
The bare-eyed pigeon is a rare species found only in the Chisos Mountains area of Big Bend National Park. This pigeon has a distinctive bare red patch of skin around its eyes. Its plumage is pale gray with a white tip to the tail.
With an extremely limited range, the bare-eyed pigeon population is vulnerable. The species is protected within Big Bend National Park. Hunting bare-eyed pigeons is prohibited under federal and state laws.
Dove Hunting Regulations in Texas
For the mourning dove, white-winged dove, Eurasian collared-dove, and Inca dove, regulated hunting is allowed in Texas during designated dove hunting seasons. Dove hunting is a popular pastime and important recreation activity in the state.
Dove hunting seasons and bag limits in Texas are:
Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit |
---|---|---|
Mourning Dove | Generally mid-Sept to mid-Oct + late Dec to early Jan | 15 |
White-winged Dove | Generally mid-Sept to late Nov | 10 in aggregate |
Eurasian Collared-Dove | Year-round | No limit |
Inca Dove | Generally mid-Sept to late Nov | 10 in aggregate |
The specific season dates and bag limits can vary each year, so it is important that dove hunters consult the Texas Parks and Wildlife hunting regulations each season. Areas that are open to dove hunting also vary around the state.
In addition to dates and bag limits, dove hunting in Texas requires a valid Texas hunting license. Hunters must also observe safety regulations and not hunt protected species.
Conservation Efforts
While legally regulated hunting of mourning doves and white-winged doves is sustainable with appropriate management, conservation efforts are still needed to protect dove populations. Habitat loss in Texas has impacted many bird species, including doves.
Some important conservation practices for doves include:
- Preserving native brushlands, prairies, and woodlands that provide dove habitat.
- Restoring degraded habitats by planting native vegetation.
- Providing supplemental food and water sources with wildlife feeders and bird baths.
- Limiting the use of pesticides which can reduce food sources and poison doves.
- Reducing collisions by placing bird deterrents on windows and marking power lines.
For protected dove species like the common ground-dove, targeted conservation plans have been implemented in Texas. This includes habitat management, nest protection, and breeding programs to boost their populations.
Dove hunting can continue sustainably alongside conservation efforts that preserve dove populations and their natural habitats in Texas.
Conclusion
While the main dove species in Texas can be hunted, some special status species are protected and cannot be legally taken. Protected dove species in the state include the common ground-dove, Key West and ruddy quail-doves, the bridled quail-dove, white-tipped dove, and bare-eyed pigeon. These species all have limited ranges or reduced populations in Texas that require conservation measures. Regulated hunting of mourning doves, white-winged doves, Eurasian collared-doves, and Inca doves can persist with careful management. Continued habitat preservation and protection of threatened species will help maintain healthy dove populations in Texas into the future.