Hawaii Bird Guide
Zebra Dove
Zebra doves are the small, tame birds often seen walking through Hawaii beach parks, sidewalks, shopping areas and yards.
Zebra Dove Overview
Zebra doves are among the most commonly seen birds in Hawaii's urban areas. They are often spotted walking through beach parks, sidewalks, shopping centers and yards, where they search the ground for food. Many are quite tame and may stay nearby even when people walk past.
Native to Asia, zebra doves were introduced to Hawaii in 1922. They are also called barred doves, a name that fits their fine striped pattern. Their habitat ranges from sea level to hills up to about 4,000 feet in elevation, so they can show up in many everyday island settings.
Markings, Food and Nesting
Adult males and females look similar. Their bodies are mainly brown-gray, with a rose-colored belly and a bluish-gray face. They also have reddish legs and feet, plus pale blue skin around the eyes and bill. The narrow barring along the body helps give this dove its zebra name.
Zebra doves mainly feed on small seeds. They breed year-round in Hawaii, which helps explain why they are so common. Nests are usually built in trees or shrubs, but in urban areas they may also use building crevices or telephone lines. One or two white eggs are laid each time, and zebra doves may breed up to five times per year.
For other familiar introduced birds in Hawaii, compare the common myna, house finch, red-crested cardinal and northern cardinal.
