Mourning Dove
NameMourning Dove
Common NameMourning Dove
Scientific NameZenaida macroura
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)41
Length (cm)28
Weight (g)133
Plumage DetailsSoft grayish-brown plumage overall, with lighter buffy-pinkish underparts. It has black spots on its wings and a distinctive small black spot below the eye. The outer tail feathers are white, visible during flight.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, mournful cooing sound, often transcribed as 'OoAAH-coo-coo-coo' or 'hooo-WOO-woo-woo-woo'.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsopen woodlands, forest edges, grassland, agricultural fields, suburban areas, urban parks
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across North America, extending into Central America and the Caribbean. It is found throughout the contiguous United States, southern Canada, and Mexico.
Identifying FeaturesPlump body with small head, Long, tapered tail, Soft grayish-brown plumage, Black spots on wings, Black spot below the eye, Mournful cooing call
Description
The Mourning Dove is a common, medium-sized dove with a plump body, small head, and a long, tapered tail. It is known for its distinctive mournful cooing call and swift, direct flight.
