Columbidae of the Mt. Washington Area

Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) – Introduced

Rock Pigeon. Bolsa Chica. June 2017.

The common “city pigeon”. Most often present in developed areas. Most readily found at Rio de Los Angeles and along the LA River, but sometimes also present at Elyria Canyon and Heidelberg.

Links: eBird

Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata)

Band-tailed Pigeon. Elyria Canyon Park. April 2015.

A large native pigeon that is most partial oak woodlands, but present year-round in the Report Area. Most likely to be observed in numbers outside of the breeding season in Elyria Canyon at Heidelberg. Most likely observed only as a flyover at Rio de Los Angeles and the LA River.

Links: eBird

Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) – Introduced

Eurasian Collared-Doves. Valencia. January 2020.

Arrived to the Report Area in the last two decades where it is now common, mostly in residential areas. Most likely to be observed along the LA River.

Links: eBird

Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis) – Introduced

Spotted Dove. Chino. June 2003.

While not native, this species was formerly widespread in Southern California and has declined dramatically for reasons that are not entirely clear. Formerly occurred in Elyria Canyon until about 15 years ago (where they were present daily on the power lines in the author’s yard). Apparently no longer extant so status is listed as red in all areas.

Links: eBird

White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)

White-winged Dove. Patagonia, Arizona. October 2022.

A bird of the desert regions of California, individuals can wander widely. This species is highly unlikely to be observed in the Report Area, however, there is an eBird record of a bird coming to a feeder in Mt. Washington so the species has been included here.

Links: eBird

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)

Mourning Dove. Encino. December 2018.

This is the common native dove in the Report Area. It is present throughout, often in large numbers.

Links: eBird

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