Inca Dove's North Shore Vacation

Inca doves are common in the southwestern United States. They thrive in an area that stretches from Central America to the American Southwest. That range does not include any part of Minnesota. So it was a really big deal when Jim Lind spotted one at his neighbor's bird feeder on Oct. 30 in Two Harbors. Since then at least 100 birders have made the trek for a glimpse of the first ever Inca dove reported in Minnesota.

The bird, which has orange on its wings, is a small bird; comparable in size to a sparrow. One of its more odd behaviors is that of pyramid roosting. Pairs or groups will huddle together in the sunshine, with some sitting on the back of the others. The pyramid may be three layers high and include up to 12 birds.