Nest-site attributes and tree selectivity of white-winged doves (Zenaida asiatica) in Mason, Texas were assessed. White-winged dove nests were systematically located; nest height, and distance and direction of the nest from the trunk were recorded. Species, height, canopy diameter, diameter at breast height (dbh), and canopy density of the nest tree were recorded, and similar data (excluding canopy density) were collected for neighboring, unoccupied trees.

Trees selected most commonly for nesting included live oak (Quercus virginiana), pecan (Carya illinoensis), and sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). Mean nest height = 4.9m (n=22, SE=0.25), mean nest distance from trunk = 3.1m (n=22, SE=0.48), and mean canopy density = 92% (n=22, SE=2.26). Doves tended to select nest locations west and north of the trunk (P<0.0252) and in the middle 2 vertical quartiles of the canopy (P<0.0133). The data did not suggest a significant degree of selection of nest trees by white-winged doves based on tree species (P<0.1455), nor a significant difference in tree height (P<0.7994), canopy diameter (P<0.0812), or dbh (P<0.5041) between nest trees and non-nest trees.