Mourning dove

Mourning dove

The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is a member of the dove family, Columbidae. The bird is also known as the American Mourning Dove or the Rain Dove, and erroneously as the Turtle Dove, and was once known as the Carolina Pigeon or Carolina Turtledove. It is one of the most abundant and widespread of all North American birds and is also a leading gamebird, with more than 20 million birds (up to 70 million in some years) shot annually in the U.S., both for sport and for meat. Their mournful cooing call is a familiar sound in many parts of their range.

Description

Mourning Doves are light grey and brown and generally muted in color. Adults have a long, tapered tail which is edged with white and can be distinguished by the distinctive black spot below and behind the eye. Wings have black spots and the light of flight feathers is bordered by a dark line.

Habitat

The Mourning Dove inhabits a wide range of environments. It can be found in rural areas, suburban communities, and urban locales. They prefer open areas or sparse woods, especially near water, but they are adaptable and can thrive in almost any environment that provides suitable ledges for nesting, which includes buildings in urban areas.

Behavior

Mourning Doves are primarily seed-eaters, not just of grains but also of weeds, grasses, and herbs. They are ground feeders and consume the majority of their diet by foraging on the ground. Mourning Doves drink by sucking water without lifting their head. They are fast fliers and are capable of speeds up to 55 mph.

Reproduction

Mourning Doves are prolific breeders. In warmer areas, these birds can produce up to six broods in a season. They usually lay two eggs at a time, and both parents care for the young. The nest is a simple platform of twigs that can be placed on trees, shrubs, or even on the ground.

Conservation Status

Despite the heavy annual hunting pressure, the Mourning Dove remains among the ten most abundant birds in the United States and there is no immediate threat to its population. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Cultural Significance

The Mourning Dove holds significant cultural symbolism in many Native American cultures. Its mournful call is often perceived as an omen of death or a symbol of the soul's journey to the afterlife. In contrast, in other contexts, the Mourning Dove symbolizes peace and forgiveness.