There are several species of grey birds with white bellies that can be found in the state of Virginia. To identify the specific species, it is helpful to consider the size of the bird, the shape of its beak, and any distinctive markings beyond the grey and white coloration. Some of the most likely options include the Mourning Dove, the Rock Pigeon, the Eurasian Collared-Dove, and certain species of gulls.
Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove is a common grey bird with a white belly found throughout Virginia. This medium-sized dove measures between 9 and 13 inches in length with a wingspan of 15 to 19 inches. It has a slender black bill and a long tapered tail.
The Mourning Dove’s plumage is predominantly greyish-brown above and light grey below. Its wings show black spots and its tail has white tips and outer feathers. The male and female are similar in appearance. The most distinctive field mark of the Mourning Dove is the black spot on the lower neck of the otherwise light grey throat and belly.
Mourning Doves are found in a wide variety of open and semi-open habitats including woodlands, forest edges, grasslands, farms, suburbs and parks. They build a flimsy stick nest on a horizontal branch, cliff ledge or building structure. Their diet consists mainly of seeds and grains. Mourning Doves are monogamous and raise multiple broods each year.
This widespread species is common and readily observed across Virginia throughout the year, with peak numbers during the fall migration. The Mourning Dove’s familiar cooing call is a common sound of the landscape. So if you see a medium-sized greyish dove with a black-spotted neck and white belly in Virginia, it is very likely a Mourning Dove.
Rock Pigeon
The Rock Pigeon is another grey and white bird found year-round in Virginia. This chunky pigeon measures 11.8 to 14.2 inches long with a wingspan around 22 to 26 inches. It has a short black bill with a fleshy cere.
Rock Pigeons are blue-grey in color with two dark wing bars visible in flight. The male has an iridescent green and purple neck and a white lower belly, while the female is more uniformly greyish. Both sexes have a broad black band on the pale grey tail. The wing coverts are also checkered black and white.
Rock Pigeons favor open habitats near cliffs but readily adapt to urban areas where they nest on buildings. They form large flocks when feeding and can often be seen walking along the ground pecking at seed and crumbs. Their diet is mainly seeds and fruits.
Rock Pigeons were introduced to North America and are found in Virginia’s cities, parks, farmlands and coastal areas. They are very numerous around human habitation. So a plump grey pigeon with crisp black and white markings scavenging food scraps on the sidewalk is likely a Rock Pigeon.
Eurasian Collared-Dove
The Eurasian Collared-Dove is an introduced species that has recently expanded its range across Virginia. This dove has a pale grey coloration with a distinctive black half-collar on the upper neck and breast.
The Eurasian Collared-Dove measures 11 to 13 inches long with a wingspan around 18 inches. It has a medium-sized black bill and a long fan-shaped tail. The underparts from neck to belly are a light greyish-pink fading to white on the lower belly. The black collar edges the lower nape and upper breast.
This species inhabits open country from suburban areas to farmlands and park edges. Flocks forage on the ground for seeds and grain. Collared-doves are monogamous nesters and often raise multiple broods per year.
The Eurasian Collared-Dove has spread rapidly since its introduction to Florida in the 1980s. It is now widespread across Virginia year-round, especially in human-altered environments. So an unfamiliar pale grey dove with a distinctive black collar is likely an Eurasian Collared-Dove.
Gulls
Several species of white and grey gulls occur along the coast and inland waterways of Virginia. They should be considered as possibilities for a mostly grey bird with a white belly observed near water.
The Ring-billed Gull is the most common and widespread gull in Virginia. It measures 17 to 20 inches with a wingspan around 50 inches. The adult Ring-billed Gull is white with pale grey upperparts and black wingtips marked with white spots. Its yellow bill has a black ring. The legs are yellow and the eye ring is orange. In winter the head is streaked grey.
The Great Black-backed Gull also occurs along Virginia’s coastline. As its name suggests, this huge gull has entirely blackish-grey upperparts contrasting with a white head and underparts. The yellow bill is large and heavy for tearing fish and scavenging. It measures 28 to 32 inches long with a wingspan up to 65 inches.
Herring Gulls and Laughing Gulls are additional grey and white gulls found year-round or seasonally along coastal Virginia. All these species frequent beaches, lakes, rivers, marshes and landfills. Their chunky build, webbed feet and hooked bills distinguish them from other waterbirds when flying overheard or swimming.
Identifying the Grey and White Bird
When observing an unknown grey bird with white underparts in Virginia, consider the following identification points:
- Size and shape: Note the bird’s overall size relative to familiar species. Especially pay attention to the relative proportions of the body, wings, tail and bill.
- Location: Consider the habitat where the bird is found. This can help rule out unlikely species.
- Behavior: Watch how the bird moves and acts. Does it walk or wade on the ground? Does it swim or dive for fish? Does it soar and glide or flap frequently?
- Distinctive markings: Look for any characteristic spots, bands, stripes or color patches beyond the predominant grey and white.
- Voice: Listen for any calls or sounds. Recognizing a species’ vocalizations helps with identification.
With close observation and noting these details, the grey and white bird can be identified as one of Virginia’s common resident species like the Mourning Dove or Rock Pigeon, or as a migrant gull visiting coastal waters. Field guides and birding apps can further aid in narrowing down species options by location and season. Being attentive and descriptive allows even backyard birdwatchers to solve the puzzle of an unfamiliar grey and white visitor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several species of grey birds with white bellies commonly found in Virginia. By considering size, shape, behavior, distinctive markings, location and other identification clues, observers can positively identify these birds. Likely candidates include medium-sized doves like the Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, and Eurasian Collared-Dove, as well as various larger gull species along the coast. Careful observation paired with field guide consultation will help pin down whether an unknown grey and white bird is a visiting gull, an introduced Eurasian Collared-Dove, or a resident backyard Mourning Dove or Rock Pigeon enjoying Virginia’s habitats.