Click on image to enlarge.
Willow Ptarmigan are the most common native "partridge". They
are seen on open country throughout the province. Their winter plumage is almost
entirely white, but in summer they turn partly brown. Photo ©
Christopher Pratt
Ruffed Grouse is an introduced species in Newfoundland. It is now common
in most parts of the island. Notice the brown coloration and the crest on top of
the small, chicken-like head. Right photo © Karen Chappell
Rock Doves are also called "pigeons" wherever you go.
This is a picture of a bird in the "standard" plumage, although rock
doves appear as brown, blackish, or even white birds (see below). Rock doves are
not native to North America, but were introduced early in the last century. They
have spread throughout the continent, preferring urban areas where they nest on
ledges. The ledges presumably resemble the rocky ledges where the wild
population of this species still nests in Europe.
Rock Dove - white plumage
Mourning Dove is the only other regularly occurring dove in Newfoundland
besides Rock Dove. It is smaller and more elegant than the Rock Dove, and is
always a fawn brown with black spots. In flight, the long, wedge-shaped tail
with white spots on the tips of the feathers is often obvious. Photo © J.
Kevin Butler
