Mourning Dove

Overall light grey-brown with a pinkish hue on the chest. Black spots on the wings and a single black spot behind the eye. Long, pointed tail with white outer feathers. Juveniles have a scaly appearance.

Small head, long pointed tail, black spots on wings, and a thin black spot under the ear.

Length: 23-34 cm; Wingspan: 37-45 cm; Weight: 96-170 g.

A soft, mournful 'coo-OO-oo-oo-oo'. Often mistaken for the hooting of an owl.

Almost exclusively seeds (99%), including grains, grasses, and weeds. Forages primarily on the ground.

Open and semi-open habitats including grasslands, farms, suburbs, and lightly wooded areas.

Partial migrant. Southern populations are resident; northern populations migrate to the southern US or Mexico.

Builds a flimsy platform of twigs in trees or shrubs. Usually lays two white eggs. May produce multiple broods per year.

White-winged Dove (has white wing patches), Eurasian Collared-Dove (larger with a black neck ring).

Important seed disperser and a primary prey species for many birds of prey.

Least Concern (IUCN); population is stable and abundant.

Commonly seen on ground foraging for seeds or perched on telephone wires. Listen for the distinct whirring sound of their wings when they fly.

Mourning Doves can drink brackish water without becoming dehydrated. They are one of the most widespread and abundant birds in North America.