Mourning Doves

The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is one of the most widespread and recognizable birds in North America. Known for their soft cooing calls and graceful flight, these gentle birds hold a special place in both rural and urban landscapes. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Mourning Doves, from their diet and behavior to their symbolism and habitat.

Discover the gentle beauty and intriguing habits of Mourning Doves.

Scientific Classification:

• Common Name: Mourning Dove

• Scientific Name: Zenaida macroura

• Family: Columbidae

• Order: Columbiformes

Physical Characteristics:

• Appearance: Light gray to brown plumage with black spots on the wings and a distinctive long, tapered tail with white edges.

• Size: About 9-13 inches (23-33 cm) in length.

• Wingspan: Approximately 17-18 inches (43-46 cm).

• Weight: Ranges from 3.4 to 6 ounces (96-170 grams).

• Distinguishing Feature: A subtle iridescent patch on the neck and their mournful cooing sound.

Habitat and Range:

• Found throughout North America, from southern Canada to Central America.

• Common in open woodlands, fields, gardens, and suburban areas.

• Adaptable to a wide range of habitats, including deserts and urban landscapes.

Diet:

• Primarily granivorous, feeding on seeds and grains such as millet, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn.

• Occasionally consumes small fruits and insects.

• Forages on the ground in open areas, often near feeders or in fields.

Behavior and Vocalizations:

• Famous for their soft, mournful cooing, which gives them their name.

• Often seen perched on powerlines, fences, or feeding on the ground.

• Known for their swift, direct flight with rapid wingbeats and sharp, whistling wing sounds during takeoff.

Breeding and Nesting:

• Breeding season spans from early spring to late summer.

• Males perform courtship flights and cooing displays to attract females.

• Nests are simple, flat structures made of twigs and grasses, often built in trees, shrubs, or even on ledges.

• Females lay 2 white eggs, which hatch in about 14 days.

• Both parents share incubation duties and feed the chicks "crop milk," a nutrient-rich secretion.

Lifespan and Predators:

• Mourning Doves have an average lifespan of 1.5 years in the wild, though some individuals can live up to 10 years.

• Common predators include cats, hawks, snakes, and raccoons.

• Their camouflaged plumage and quick flight help them evade predators.

Conservation Status:

• Mourning Doves are abundant and not currently at risk.

• Estimated population exceeds 300 million across their range.

• Benefited by backyard bird feeders and open habitats created by agriculture.

Interesting Facts:

• Mourning Doves are one of the most hunted game birds in North America due to their high population numbers.

• They can consume up to 20% of their body weight in seeds daily.

• Their mournful call is often mistaken for an owl’s hoot.

• Unlike many birds, Mourning Doves drink water by sucking it up without tilting their heads back.

How to Attract Mourning Doves to Your Backyard:

• Scatter seeds like millet, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds on the ground or use platform feeders.

• Provide a clean water source, such as a shallow birdbath or dish.

• Plant native shrubs and low trees to offer shelter and nesting sites.

• Create open spaces in your yard for foraging.

For more insights and videos on the Mourning Dove and other fascinating bird species, visit our @UrbanBirdsCLT, where you’ll find close-up footage and expert birdwatching tips.

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