Dovekie (Alle alle)

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A Field Guide to Eastern Birds. by Roger Tory Peterson.

Return to Eastern Alcids

Color Photograph: U.S. Geological Survey

Dovekie (Alle alle)

Identification: Length from tip of bill to tip of tail 8 inches. The smallest of the eastern alcids.

Summer Plumage: A small, rotund bird with a short, stubby tail. Back, neck, and head all black. Undersides white. Bill short and triangular. Wings streaked with white lines.

Winter Plumage: Similar to the summer plumage, but neck and side of the head white.

Similar Species:  The small size of the Dovekie and its coloration easily separates this species from other eastern alcids.

Breeding Range (see map below): The Dovekie breeds on the far northern islands of eastern Canada. The species also occurs in northern Europe.

Overwintering Range:  This species overwinters off the coasts of eastern North America from Labrador south to New Jersey.

Habitat: The Dovekie is a primarily oceanic bird found floating at sea. They breed on the rocky cliffs of the far north.

Food: Plankton, copepods, small fish, and shrimp-like crustaceans.

Behavior: The Dovekie has a rapid, whirring flight. The species is incredibly abundant and can sometimes be seen in huge flocks. However this bird spends most of its time far out at sea.

Reproduction:  The clutch consists of a single blue-green egg. The eggs is laid in a rocky crevice.