Ivory Gull or Dovekie?

Dovekie Bird Recognition Guide

1. General appearance - The Dovekie is a small sea bird with a compact body and short wings. Its coloration varies with the seasons. During the breeding season, its plumage is characterized by a striking contrast of black on the upper parts, including the back and wings, and bright white underparts. The face and neck remain black in summer. Outside the breeding season, their plumage becomes predominantly white, with some gray or black markings on the upper side. 2. Male vs female - Dovekies exhibit little to no sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females are almost identical in appearance. Both sexes have similar plumage patterns and coloration during the respective seasons, making it challenging to differentiate them solely based on visual cues. 3. Juvenile - Juvenile Dovekies differ from adults primarily in their plumage. They are generally more muted, with less distinct black and white contrasts. Juveniles often present mottled grayish or brownish tones on their upper parts, which gradually transition into the classic adult coloration as they mature. Unlike adults, their bills may appear more slender, and their overall demeanor might be slightly less robust until full maturity is achieved. This lack of strong color contrast aids in camouflaging against predators.

Primary habitat

Dovekies primarily inhabit the Arctic regions, exhibiting a strong preference for the cold, marine environments. They are typically found in the North Atlantic Ocean, notably around Greenland, Svalbard, and Iceland. The species favors rocky coastlines and islands where they can nest in crevices and cliffs, away from predators.

Additional range

In unexpected instances, Dovekies might be observed further south, especially during winter storms when they might drift along the northeastern coast of North America. They can adapt to these conditions temporarily but will generally return to their primary Arctic habitats when conditions permit.

Natural Diet

The Dovekie, also known as Alle alle, thrives primarily on a marine-based diet in its natural habitat. Small fish, crustaceans, and zooplankton form the bulk of its food intake. These birds are adept divers, plunging beneath the ocean's surface to catch prey, often relying on their sharp sight and swift underwater agility. Depending on the season, the availability of certain prey shifts, with summer months offering a richer selection due to increased water temperatures that promote plankton blooms. Dovekies also consume small marine worms and occasionally venture near the ice edges, where nutrient concentrations can offer an abundant food source during mealtime.

Bird Feeders

Dovekies are not typical visitors to land-based bird feeders since their dietary habits are heavily reliant on marine environments. Therefore, it is rare for these birds to consume traditional feeder offerings like seeds, suet, or fruits. Their specialized feeding techniques and natural habitats make them unlikely candidates for adapting to food typically presented in residential gardens or backyard feeders. For bird enthusiasts living near coastal regions, the best chance to witness a Dovekie up close would be during pelagic bird-watching trips rather than attempting to attract them to a bird feeder.