After the breeding season, Dovekies move southward toward the edges of the continental shelf, where upwelling nutrients support abundant prey. They are especially numerous in winter on the Grand Banks, the Labrador Shelf, and the Scotian Shelf, all east of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.

Can a Dovekie fly?

They gather in large flocks in Arctic and North Atlantic waters, often around pack ice. Dovekies breed in huge colonies on rocky cliffs and may fly 60 miles to provision their chicks.

Can Dovekies take off from land?

Their short stubby wings and legs set far back on the body are perfect for swimming, but this means they can't walk on land, nor can they run and reach speeds necessary to lift off and fly. They need a steep slope or a long runway of open water to take flight.