Watercolor portrait of White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi)

White-tipped Dove

Leptotila verreauxi
Mostly a year-round resident from Mexico… Dense brush, thornscrub, woodland edges,… Fairly Common Advertising coo

Learn to identify the White-tipped Dove by ear. Master the "whooo... CROOO... croo-croo-croo" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“whooo... CROOO... croo-croo-croo”

What the White-tipped Dove sounds like

A chunky, soft-brown dove that loves shady cover and quiet paths. The giveaway is in the name: when it walks away or lifts off, the tail flashes bright white at the tip. Up close, the red eye can glow like a tiny ember in the understory.

“whooo... CROOO... croo-croo-croo”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A deep, mellow string of coos, often given from a hidden perch at dawn. Rich, slow, and surprisingly far-carrying in thick brush. Often written as “whooo... CROOO... croo-croo-croo”.
Don't confuse with:The Mourning Dove — slimmer and longer-tailed overall

Where you'll hear it

Dense brush, thornscrub, woodland edges, gardens, and shady understory in tropical lowlands. In the U.S., it is most at home in South Texas thickets with nearby feeding spots.

Most noticeable in spring and early summer, when males give deep, measured coos from hidden perches. In fall and winter it often goes quiet and can be easy to miss as it feeds low under cover.

Similar species

Mourning Dove

Slimmer and longer-tailed overall

White-winged Dove

Shows bold white wing patches, especially in flight

Inca Dove

Much smaller and more delicate

White-tipped Dove song FAQ

What does a White-tipped Dove sound like?
A deep, mellow string of coos, often given from a hidden perch at dawn. Rich, slow, and surprisingly far-carrying in thick brush. Listen for the "whooo... CROOO... croo-croo-croo" phrase.
How do I tell a White-tipped Dove from a Mourning Dove by sound?
Mourning Dove: Slimmer and longer-tailed overall; Lacks the crisp white tail tip pattern and glowing red eye; More likely to perch out in the open on wires or fences.
When is the best time to hear a White-tipped Dove?
Most noticeable in spring and early summer, when males give deep, measured coos from hidden perches. In fall and winter it often goes quiet and can be easy to miss as it feeds low under cover.