Eurasian
The Eurasian collared dove is larger and heavier than mourning or white-winged doves, though still slender. It has a long, square-tipped tail with white corners. A distinct black line or “collar” runs across the back of its neck, but doesn’t extend all the way around the throat.

It’s relatively easy to distinguish in flight, being considerably larger and a bit slower than other doves, and it typically flashes an almost solid white or very light tan color from its underside. It is --in my experience, at least -- less prone to recognize danger from hunters or to take drastic evasive action.

The first Eurasian collared doves in North America were introduced to the Bahamas in the early 1970s as a replacement for ringed turtledoves. They quickly multiplied and escaped from the islands, making the jump to Florida.

From there, the prolific breeders spread across the Southern states, reaching Texas by the mid-1990s, and continue to expand their range.

I had my first encounter with them in Imperial County last season, and it was a memorable experience. In flight, the birds look larger than other doves. Their swooping flight patterns are distinctive, as is the flash of white from their undersides. These big doves will definitely get your attention, and you’ll likely recognize one the first time you see it.

White-Winged
White-winged doves typically start flying around 9:30 or 10 a.m., much later than mourning doves. A white-winged has a small, black crescent below the eye. But the best way to distinguish it in flight is by its dark gray wings with broad white stripes, from which the bird takes its name.

The tail is shorter, less pointed than that of the mourning dove, and has white corners.

The white-winged’s flight is characterized by somewhat slower, steadier wing beats than those of the mourning dove, and it tends to steer a straighter course.

Assuming you’re in range and equipped with the proper loads and chokes, white-wingeds are generally easier to hit than mourning doves.

Mourning
The mourning dove, the most numerous and widespread game bird in North America, needs little introduction to most wingshooters.

While it may sing a mournful dirge in your backyard tree, those encountered out in the country are the master aviators of the three species -- especially after they’ve been shot at once or twice. They’re capable of mid-air acrobatics that can make a champion clay-bird shooter look like a rank amateur. I’ve seen it happen.

Hunter surveys tend to support my belief that the mourning dove is the most-missed game bird in the nation.

FAST-PACED SHOOTING
In Imperial County, I do most of my shooting on mourning doves with a 20-gauge over-and-under, choked improved cylinder and modified. This is a great choice when the doves are flying fast and furious, for you can afford to pick your shots and target only those birds that offer reasonable opportunities within range.

There are times when modified and improved modified tubes are better choices, and I know some hunters who pursue doves with nothing less than a full-choked 12 gauge.