Mourning Dove
NameMourning Dove
Common NameMourning Dove
Scientific NameZenaida macroura
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)41
Length (cm)28
Weight (g)120
Plumage DetailsOverall grayish-brown to buffy-tan, with a lighter, often pinkish-buff breast and belly. It features small black spots on the wings and a distinctive black spot below the eye. The long, pointed tail has white tips on the outer feathers.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, mournful cooing sound, often described as "OoAAH-coo-coo-coo", which gives the bird its common name.
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 found throughout the contiguous United States, southern Canada, and Mexico.
Identifying Featuresslender body, small head, long, pointed tail, grayish-brown plumage, black spots on wings, black spot below eye, mournful cooing call
Description
The Mourning Dove is a slender, medium-sized dove with a small head and a long, tapered tail. It is one of the most widespread and abundant birds in North America, often seen foraging on the ground or perched on wires.
