Mourning Dove

Light grey-brown overall, with black spots on the wings and dark patches on the face. Males often show a rosy-pink iridescence on the neck, while females are slightly duller and browner.

Long pointed tail with white outer feathers, black spots on the upper wings, and a dark spot below the eye.

Length: 22-34 cm (9-13 in), Wingspan: 37-45 cm (15-18 in), Weight: 85-170 g (3-6 oz)

A haunting, sorrowful 'coo-oo, ooo, ooo, ooo' that is often mistaken for an owl hoot.

Primarily seeds (99%), including cultivated grains, weed seeds, and occasionally snails.

Open country, scattered trees, farm fields, scrub, and suburban areas; avoids dense forests.

Resident in the southern parts of its range; northern populations migrate south for the winter.

Builds a flimsy platform nest of twigs in trees or shrubs. Usually lays 2 white eggs per clutch, with multiple broods raised per year.

Eurasian Collared-Dove, which is larger, paler, has a square tail, and features a black collar on the neck.

Acts as an important seed disperser and is a primary food source for many raptors and carnivores.

Least Concern, with a stable and very abundant population

Look along roadsides, open fields, and backyard bird feeders where they regularly gather in flocks on the ground.

Mourning Doves are one of the most widely distributed and hunted game birds in North America. They can fly at speeds up to 55 mph (88 km/h).