Mourning Dove
ExploreBird
Mourning Dove
Zenaida macroura
Mourning Doves are gentle birds with soft gray feathers. They coo sweetly and like to gather in parks and backyards.
Habitat: Open areas like fields, parks, and backyards.
Appearance
The Mourning Dove is a slender, medium-sized bird with a small head and a long, pointed tail tipped with white. It has soft brownish-gray plumage, a small black spot below each eye, and iridescent pink-purple patches on its neck. Its sleek shape visually differentiates it from chunkier pigeons.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderColumbiformesFamilyColumbidaeGenusZenaida
Category
BirdRarity
Common
Danger
1/5
Snaps
287
Interesting facts
A group of doves can be called a "flight," "dole," or a "deceit"!
Mourning Doves are among the most widespread and abundant birds in North America!
These birds can eat up to 20% of their body weight in tiny seeds daily!
They often reuse old nests from other birds, saving time for their new eggs!
Special abilities
Ability
Crop Milk Power
Mourning Doves can produce "crop milk" in their throat to feed their hatchlings, packed with nutrients for fast growth.
Ability
Water Sucker
Mourning Doves can drink water like a straw without lifting their heads, allowing them to hydrate swiftly and efficiently.
Ability
Whistling Flight
Mourning Doves have specialized wings that create a distinctive whistle during takeoff or landing, signaling presence to others.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 22-34 cm
- Wingspan
- 37-45 cm
- Weight
- 0.096-0.17 kg
- Lifespan
- 1-19 years
- Top Speed
- 88 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 1-2
- Incubation
- 14 days
- Migration Distance
- 3000 km
Diet & Feeding
Mourning Doves are hungry herbivores that mostly munch on seeds from many different plants.
Age differences: Nestlings consume 'crop milk' from their parents, transitioning to seeds as they grow.
Primary Foods
- grass seeds
- weed seeds
- waste grain
- berries
- sunflower seeds
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii
A common predator, especially of fledglings.
eaten by
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
Hunts Mourning Doves, particularly at dusk.
eaten by
Domestic Cat
Felis catus
Predates on doves, especially around human habitats.
eats
Common Ragweed
Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Consumes its plentiful seeds as a primary food source.
eats
Giant Foxtail
Setaria faberi
Feeds on the seeds of this common grass species.
Traits
Wildlife
Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!
Feathered
These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.
Social
Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.
Singing
Listen to the beautiful sounds of nature's singers! These animals use their voices to attract friends, mark their territory, or even warn others.
Herbivorous
Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!
Diurnal
Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.
Urban Friendly
Spot amazing living things that thrive right alongside us in cities and towns, finding homes in parks, gardens, and even cracks in pavements.
Also known as
Carolina DoveZenaida Dove
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5
Mourning Doves are friendly and not dangerous. It's best to watch them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Mourning Dove?
22-34 cm
What is Mourning Dove's wingspan?
37-45 cm
How much does Mourning Dove weigh?
0.096-0.17 kg
How long does Mourning Dove live?
1-19 years
How fast can Mourning Dove move?
88 km/h
What does Mourning Dove eat?
Mourning Doves are hungry herbivores that mostly munch on seeds from many different plants.
Where is Mourning Dove usually found?
Open areas like fields, parks, and backyards.
How does Mourning Dove hunt?
Foraging
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
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Seneca Park Zoo
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Park30 sightings20 species
Maryland, US
Herring Run Park
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Aquarium30 sightings20 species
Connecticut, US
Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
You might spot Aurelia Aurita and Whitespotted Bamboo Shark.
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Park22 sightings20 species
Illinois, US
Sauganash Trail
You might spot White Mulberry, House Finch, and Scissor Grinder.
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