Mourning Dove
NameMourning Dove
Common NameMourning Dove
Scientific NameZenaida macroura
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)41
Length (cm)28
Weight (g)130
Plumage DetailsPlumage is generally light gray-brown on the back and wings, with a paler, buffy underside. Black spots are visible on the wings, and a small iridescent patch of pinkish-purple and green feathers can be seen on the sides of the neck, particularly in males. They have a distinctive blue eye-ring.
Vocalization / CallTheir most characteristic vocalization is a soft, mournful 'coo-OO-oo-oo-oo' sound, often described as a lament. They also produce a whistling sound with their wings during takeoff and landing.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsopen woodland, grassland, farmland, suburban areas, parks, gardens
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread throughout North America, extending into Central America and the Caribbean. It is one of the most abundant and widely distributed bird species in North America.
Identifying Featureslong, pointed tail, soft gray-brown plumage with black spots on wings, mournful cooing call, blue eye-ring, whistling sound of wings in flight
Description
The Mourning Dove is a slender, medium-sized dove with a small head and a long, pointed tail. Known for its mournful cooing call, it is a common sight in open woodlands, fields, and suburban areas across North America.
