A fairly recent arrival to North America, this large pale dove can now be found across the United States. It flaps on broad wings, and often soars briefly, with wings extended slightly above horizontal as it seemingly floats down to a landing. Polytypic (2 ssp.; nominate in North America). Length 12.5".

A large, pale gray-buff dove with a black collar, noticeably larger than the mourning dove. There is also a naturally occurring cream-colored variant, and this species is known to hybridize with the ringed turtle-dove, so plumage variation will occur. The tail is fairly long and blunt-ended. Adult male: the head is an unmarked, pale buff-gray, while the upperparts are a darker buff-brown, tinged gray; a conspicuous black collar can