Species profile
Mourning Dove
Zenaida macroura
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Columbidae
- Conservation status
- Not assessed here
identification
Slender tan dove with a small head, black wing spots, and a long pointed tail edged in white.
habitat
Open country, farms, roadsides, suburbs, and lightly wooded areas.
range
Widespread across North America, resident in many areas and migratory in the north.
behavior
Feeds on the ground and launches into fast direct flight with whistling wings.
diet
Mostly seeds and grains.
voice
Soft repeated cooing phrase and wing whistle during takeoff.
seasonality
Resident or seasonal migrant depending on region.
Related species
Sources
Taxonomy, identification, natural history, and conservation references. Follow source links for current assessments.