
Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) is in the Pigeons and Doves family (Columbidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 9,493 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in December.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: year-round resident. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Zebra Dove: observations by month (U.S.)
About Zebra Dove
The zebra dove (Geopelia striata) also known as barred ground dove, is a bird of the dove family, Columbidae, native to Southeast Asia. They are small birds with a long tail. They are predominantly brownish-grey in colour with black-and-white barring. They are known for their pleasant soft, staccato cooing calls.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Zebra Dove by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 9,493 | December | Nov–Oct |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related birds (Pigeons and Doves)

Mourning Dove
White-winged Dove
Eurasian Collared-Dove

Band-tailed Pigeon

Inca Dove

Common Ground Dove

Spotted Dove

White-tipped Dove
Photography tips
- Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
- Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
- Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
- Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Zebra Dove?
Nationally, December has the most observations, with the main season from November to October.
Where is Zebra Dove most often seen?
The most observations come from Hawaii.