Bluer than Blue

I saw something a little different during one of my walks on Magic Island – a Zebra Dove with the bluest facial markings I’ve ever seen.

This particular species of dove does sport blue around its eyes and just above its beak, but this one really stood out.

Maybe it was because the feathers on top of its head were darker than usual – browner than I’ve seen before. In fact, its head in toto gave the illusion that its entire beak was blue.

At first glance, Zebra Doves look pretty drab, but when seen close up, the distinct markings and patterns of its plumage are quite beautiful. I know. I’ve had them perch on the arm of my outside chair on occasion, affording me quite a prolonged examination.

That was a neat find. Blue beak.