On Wed, 30 Aug 1995, Jim Lady wrote:
> With all the conversation about band-tailed pigeons, it seems like a good
> time to ask the question that's been in the back of my mind for a while:
> How do you identify them vs. a rock dove when flying overhead? The

Hi Jim,

The Band-tailed are quite a bit larger, and have a very distinctive
flight, which is different from Rock Doves. They seem to flap their wings
only from the tips, while Rock Doves flap their entire wings from the
shoulder. Band-taileds often fan out their tail in flight, allowing you
to see the band on it. Rock Doves often glide with their wings in a
strong 'V', while Band-taileds usually don't. Try studying Rock Doves
with this in mind around town, then go to Discovery Park and watch for
Band-taileds. Band-taileds are also easily found in some of the Seattle
neighborhood with large trees (Madrona, Leschi, Laurelhurst, Sand Point
for example) Here both Rock Doves and Band-taileds can be seen and
compared. Once you see the difference, you'll probably not get confused
again.

-------------
Michael R. Smith
Univ. of Washington, Seattle
whimbrel at u.washington.edu
http://salmo.cqs.washington.edu/~wagap/mike.html