“Northern Birds” (dove) ??

I have heard several on this site along with some local old timers talk about northern dove...But how does one really distinguish northern birds from local Texas birds. Are they just larger? Or are there any distinguishing marks? I sure wish some would show up! I have some of the best places in our county to hunt, and this has been the slowest dove season in our part of central Texas in at least 20 years. Ample feed But very, very few birds. Any insight on distinguishing northern birds appreciated. I realize it’s a crapshoot as to when they show up.

You'll know they're northern birds when eldest in your group says "looks like we gettin a few northern birds in." That's the only sure-fire way to know.

Also interchangeable with Kansas birds

Got three last night from 6 to 7 PM only one this morning nothing moving real active in the evening though probably my place cause I got a lot of water. Beer got me a bit yesterday. Missed 2 short birds hovering over Robo. :

Pretty cool pic of geese coming in to lake




Just to clarify- hunting dove

I have heard old-timers call them big birds from Kansas. But are there any distinguishing color markings on them. I’m always not sure if it’s just an older bird versus a younger bird.

Red legs

Carrying luggage?

Other than larger body and sometimes really red legs the main way I can tell is the breast/neck feathers on northern birds have a purple/blue hue color to them . The local birds have a tan/lightbrown color throughout their breast and neck feathers.

^^^^^^^^ This!!

Thanks! Good information. Would like to ground check some soon if they would make it down to central Texas!