Mystery bird

[russ]

Sorry, no pics. Does this sound familiar to any one. Slighty smaller than a grouse, white/light gray with patches of black on rear of bird, possibly on the ends of wings. Was feeding like a grouse would feed. Stayed in the branches, kinda looked like a very large dove/seagull cross. I've never seen these birds before. There are two of them and they stay close to each other. Any ideas from these vague descriptions? Thanks.

[JayinMN]

Gray jay?

What part of the state are you in?

Chukar?

Really I have no idea.

[russ]

I'm in the central part of the state, in town. Not gray jays, much larger. There are three of them now, always perched together in the trees. If I can ID it in a book I'll let you know. Thanks

[highlife4me]

Hungarian partridge?

[russ]

I found a pic online, 99% sure they are Turtle Doves. Picture I looked at is identical to what I am seeing. Says they are a common cage/pet bird and when seen outdoors most likely escaped their cage. This could explain why they always are perched next to each other and why I can walk fairly close before they fly to another tree. I would say they are at least two times the size a mourning dove. I'm sure they are puffed up to protect against the cold, which may add to their size. Kinda cool tho.

[JayinMN]

They are most likely Eurasian Collared doves which look like turtle doves. They were released/escaped in the Bahamas in the 1970's and have expanded their range into Minnesota ny the late 90's. We will be starting to see more and more of them in years to come.

[MN Shutterbug]

Is this it? This is a Eurasian Collard Dove.

[bobbymalone]

if it's a pigeon you lose your birdwatching license

[russ]

The ones I'm seeing are considerably whiter but otherwise the same. The large size may have been due to them insulating themselves from the cold.

[russ]

if it's a pigeon you lose your birdwatching license

I'd have to agree :<)

[pureinsanity]

Mourning Dove?

[Abndoc]

Kind of sounds like a ptarmigan...i've heard of people seeing them in minnesota once in a while...get a picture!!