What is mourning dove?

The mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) is a widespread and commonly recognized bird native to North America. It is a member of the dove family, Columbidae, and is known for its distinctive, mournful cooing sound, from which its name is derived. Here are some key points about the mourning dove:

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Mourning doves are medium-sized, with an average length of 9 to 13 inches (23 to 33 cm) and a wingspan of 17 to 18 inches (45 to 46 cm).
• Appearance: They have a streamlined, graceful body, with a light grayish-brown color. Their wings have black spots, and there are subtle pink hues on their neck and chest. Their tails are long and pointed, with white edges.
• Eyes and Beak: They have dark eyes surrounded by a light-blue ring and a small, thin, black beak.

Behavior:

• Flight: Mourning doves are strong fliers, capable of reaching speeds of up to 55 mph (88 km/h). Their flight is fast and direct with rapid, powerful wingbeats.
• Sound: Known for their soft, woeful cooing, which is most often heard during the breeding season.
• Feeding: They primarily feed on seeds, making up over 99% of their diet, but they will also consume some insects. They typically forage on the ground.

Habitat:

• Mourning doves are adaptable birds found in a variety of open and semi-open habitats, including farmlands, suburban areas, grasslands, and open forests.
• They are one of the most widespread and abundant bird species in North America, ranging from southern Canada to Panama.

Reproduction:

• Nesting: They often build flimsy nests made of twigs and grasses, usually located in trees or shrubs, but sometimes on buildings or other structures as well.
• Breeding: Mourning doves have a long breeding season and can raise multiple broods (up to six in warmer areas) in a single year. Each brood typically consists of two eggs.
• Incubation: Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs, which hatch after about 14 days.

Migration:

• While some mourning dove populations are migratory, particularly in the northern parts of their range, others remain in one area year-round, depending on food availability and climate.

Conservation Status:

• The mourning dove is listed as a species of "Least Concern" by the IUCN due to its large population and wide distribution. It is also one of the most hunted game birds in North America.

Overall, mourning doves are an iconic part of the North American avifauna, admired for their gentle demeanor and distinct vocalizations.