Mourning Dove
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Rhododendrites" title="User:Rhododendrites">Rhododendrites</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NameMourning Dove
Common NameMourning Dove
Scientific NameZenaida macroura
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)41
Length (cm)28
Weight (g)120
Plumage DetailsOverall grayish-brown plumage, lighter buffy-pinkish on the underside. Features small black spots on the wings, a pale blue eye-ring, and a small iridescent pinkish-purple patch on the side of the neck (more prominent in males). The long, tapered tail has white outer feathers visible in flight.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, mournful cooing sound, often described as "OoAAH-coo-coo-coo." Also produces a whistling sound with its wings during takeoff and landing.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsopen woodlands, forest edges, grasslands, farmlands, suburban areas, urban parks
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across North America, extending into Central America and the Caribbean. It is one of the most abundant and widespread bird species in North America.
Identifying Featuresslender body with small head, long, tapered tail with white outer feathers, grayish-brown plumage with black wing spots, mournful cooing call, whistling sound of wings in flight
Description
A common, medium-sized dove with a plump body, small head, and long, tapered tail. Known for its soft, mournful cooing call, it is often seen foraging on the ground or perched on wires and branches.
