Not sure which doves you can hunt in Alabama?
Here's a handy photo identification guide.
Mourning Dove
Mourning Dove courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Identification:
- Brown with dark spots on the wings and back
- Long, pointed, white-edged tail
- Common throughout Alabama
Set season and bag limit. Can be hunted during dove season ONLY. Current season and bag limits can be found here.
Learn more about the Mourning Dove
White-winged Dove
White-winged Dove courtesy of Jeff Schultes
Identification:
- White stripe on the folded wing
- White-tipped tail
- Occasionally seen in Alabama
Set season and bag limit. Can be hunted during dove season ONLY. Current season and bag limits can be found here.
Learn more about White-winged Dove
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Eurasian Collared-Dove courtesy of Susan Allison Lee
Identification:
- Light gray with a black half collar around the base of the neck
- Squared off tail
- Increasingly common in Alabama
No set season or bag limit. If harvested during a set season, the harvest of the Eurasian Collared-Dove will not be counted against your bag limit.
Learn more about the Eurasian Collared-Dove
Rock Dove
Rock Dove courtesy of Assoonas, Dreamstime.com
Identification:
- Large blue-gray bird with small head
- Two broad, black stripes on wings
- Common throughout Alabama
No set season or bag limit. If harvested during a set season, the harvest of the Rock Dove will not be counted against your bag limit.
Learn more about Rock Dove (Pigeon)
Common Ground-Dove | Protected Species
Common Ground Dove courtesy of James W. Hybart III
Identification:
- Small, stocky bird with short, squared tail
- Sandy color with brown spots on wings
- Uncommon to rare in Alabama
The Ground Dove is PROTECTED and can not be hunted.
Learn more about the Common Ground-Dove
