Mourning Dove

Zenaida macroura

The whistling sound heard during takeoff isn't vocal; it is produced by specialized feathers that vibrate to alert the flock of potential danger.

Scientific name

Zenaida macroura

Taxonomy

Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Columbiformes › Columbidae › Zenaida

IUCN Red List status

Least Concern

Population trend

stable

Biome

grassland

Habitat

Open country, farm fields, grasslands, and suburban areas with scattered trees.

Diet

Primarily granivorous; consumes seeds of grasses, grains, and weeds.

Range

North America, Central America, Caribbean

Size

23-34 cm in length with a 37-45 cm wingspan.

Lifespan

1.5 years average in the wild, though individuals can live up to 19 years.

Active

diurnal

Threats

Lead poisoning from ingesting spent shot, predation by outdoor cats and raptors, and habitat loss.

Safe to approach?

Harmless and skittish. Observe from a distance of at least 10 feet to avoid flushing them into flight. If an injured bird is found, use a towel to gently place it in a ventilated box and contact a local wildlife rehabilitator; they do not bite or scratch effectively.

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. It is also a leading gamebird, with more than 20 million birds (up to 70 million in some years)...

Photo: Timothy Lindsey, CC-BY, via iNaturalist

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