Mourning Dove (Juvenile)

Brief Description

A medium-sized slender dove known for its soft, mournful cooing sound. Juveniles like the one pictured are smaller with downy feathers and a shorter tail.

Additional Information

• Region of Origin: North and Central America
• Typical Sighting Period: Year-round throughout most of its range, with peak nesting in Spring and Summer
• Plumage Details: Juveniles have a 'scaly' appearance due to light-colored edges on their feathers. Adult plumage is generally gray-brown with black spots on the wings and a long, tapered tail with white edges.
• Ecological Significance: Significant seed consumers and an important prey species for various hawks and mammals. They also contribute to seed dispersal.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (Population is stable and widespread)
• Observation Tips: Look for them in open woodlands, suburban gardens, and on telephone wires. They are frequent visitors to ground-level bird feeders containing cracked corn or millet.