Doves: Part V

The Mourning Dove is common (even abundant) whose range includes all of the United States and much of the southern parts of Canada.

They are year round residents in Arizona, and at The Azure Gate you can typically find 50 or more at any point during the day. They nest here from March through August. And those nests can be anywhere: cactus, window ledges, carports, trees etc. 

Mourning Dove nest in Saguaro Cactus

Mourning Dove nest in pine

Six years ago we had a Leucistic Mourning Dove around for about three months:

Leucistic Mourning Dove

Leucistic Mourning Dove

Next up on my series of "5" Star Photos is our Leucistic Mourning Dove. This was a dove that probably hatched five or six weeks ago. He can now be seen daily around The Azure Gate. Albinism is a genetic mutation that prevents the production of melanin in the body. Leucism is a genetic mutation that prevents melanin from being deposited normally on feathers.  Leucism is a very rare condition that affects 1 in 550,000 birds. Typically birds with abnormally white feathers do not survive long because they are so much more visible to predators. Those that do survive may have trouble attracting a mate. Consequently, the mutated genes that cause albinism and leucism are less likely to be passed on to a new generation. However, we are hoping that this little guy will have a nice long life here at The Azure Gate. It is quite beautiful, and looks completely white when it flies. 

Leucistic Mourning Dove

Leucistic Mourning Dove

We have well over a hundred Mourning Doves on our property year round. They nest here from Mid-March through Mid-August. It's easy to find their nests. And, after 11 years here a rare event occurred yesterday while showing guests from Rhode Island around our property. A young Leucistic Mourning Dove (probably just out of its nest). Leucism is a rare condition similar to an albino condition that affects pigmentation. There are many abnormalities that affect coloration in birds (animals too). Sibley likes the idea of calling all of these conditions either "true albino" or "partial albino" which in a general sense is okay, even if not correct.

In any case, I did grab my camera and get a decent photo:

Leucistic Mourning Dove

I'll keep looking now to see if it stays around. Unfortunately, these birds seem to have shorter life spans if for no other reason than the fact that they get picked on by others.

But, no question, these abnormalities are fascinating, beautiful, and fun when you see them.