The underwings are reddish, like other ground doves, and upon takeoff, the wings produce a distinctive, quiet rattling noise.

The Inca dove ranges from Costa Rica in the south to the American Southwest in the north and is often common to abundant in suitable habitat.

This terrestrial species forms flocks in deserts, scrublands and cultivated areas and may also be found in urban settings where they feed upon grass seeds and take advantage of the ready availability of water from agricultural and suburban irrigation.

During winter, Inca doves roost in communal huddles, in a pyramid formation that aids in body-heat retention.

The song, a forceful cooing rendered variously as cowl-coo, POO-pup, or NO-hope, may be given from a tree, wire, or other open, high perch such as a television aerial.