Mourning Dove
Image: johnslowry (cc-by-nc)
NameMourning Dove
Common NameMourning Dove
Scientific NameZenaida macroura
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)41
Length (cm)28
Weight (g)120
Plumage DetailsOverall grayish-brown plumage, with a lighter, buffy underside. It features distinctive black spots on its wings, a small black spot below the eye, and a pale blue eye-ring. The long, pointed tail has white tips on the outer feathers.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, mournful cooing sound, often transcribed as 'coo-OO-oo-oo-oo'. It also produces a whistling sound with its wings during takeoff and landing.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsopen woodlands, forest edges, grasslands, farmlands, suburban areas, parks, gardens
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States and Mexico, into Central America and the Caribbean. Northern populations often migrate south for winter.
Identifying Featuresslender body, small head, long pointed tail, grayish-brown plumage, black spots on wings, mournful cooing call, whistling wings in flight
Description
The Mourning Dove is a common, medium-sized dove with a small head, slender body, and a long, pointed tail. It is known for its mournful cooing call and often forages on the ground for seeds.
