Columbina inca

The Inca dove is a small tropical dove found in arid habitats. It can be seen in Washington County in the St. George area. The Inca dove population is expanding its range into urban areas of the Southwest, extending from Southern California to western Louisiana and southward to Costa Rica.

It is a small dove, measuring a petite 7-9 inches with a light brown body, and weighs 1-2.5 ounces. The feathers have a dark brown edging, which gives them a scalloped look, and its long tail has a square tip and the outer tail feathers are white. The dove's rufous-colored wings are seen when flying, and they make a twittering noise in flight.

One curious behavior of the Inca dove is called "pyramid roosting." Several pairs, or groups, of Incas will huddle together as they bask in the sun. The pyramid may include up to 12 birds, with some balancing themselves on the backs of the others in layers three birds high. These pyramids are usually seen on very cold days, as the birds huddle for warmth.

Both Inca dove parents share incubation duties. The young are altricial, depending on the parents for 16 days before leaving the nest. Inca doves, like other doves, feed their young "crop milk." This is a regurgitated mixture of partially digested seed and grain. The parents will continue to feed the young for an additional seven days after they leave the nest. Inca doves can raise two to five broods per year.

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* BILL FENIMORE is owner of the Layton Wild Bird Center, www.wild bird.com/layton