MOURNING DOVE
Zenaida macroura
DESCRIPTION
The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is a slender, medium-sized bird characterized by its long, pointed tail and soft, grayish-brown plumage. It has a distinctive, mournful cooing call that is often heard in the early morning and late evening. This species is known for its graceful flight and can often be seen gliding or soaring in open areas, making it a common sight in urban and rural environments.
FUN FACTS
- Mourning Doves are known for their unique cooing sound, which is often described as a soft, mournful call
- This call is not only a means of communication but also plays a role in attracting mates during the breeding season
- | These birds are capable of rapid flight, reaching speeds of up to 55 miles per hour when escaping from predators
- Their agility in the air allows them to navigate through dense vegetation and urban landscapes with ease
QUICK INFO
Lifespan1-2 years in the wild, up to 5 years in captivity
Average Weight100-170 g
Average Length24-30 cm
Diet TypeGranivore
Social Structurepair, often seen in pairs or small flocks
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring to early summer (March-August)
- Habitat
- Mourning Doves inhabit a variety of environments, including open woodlands, fields, and urban areas. They prefer habitats with a mix of open spaces for foraging and trees or shrubs for nesting.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Grassland, Urban
- Native Range
- The Mourning Dove is native to North America, ranging from southern Canada to Mexico and the Caribbean.
- Continent
- North America
- Countries
- United States, Canada, Mexico
- Diet
- Mourning Doves primarily feed on seeds, grains, and fruits, often foraging on the ground. They have a preference for small seeds from grasses and weeds.
- Diet Type
- Granivore
- Favorite Food
- seeds, grains
- Social Structure
- pair, often seen in pairs or small flocks
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 2-20
- Territorial
- 0
CR
LC
LC
LC
100-170 g
Weight
24-30 cm
Length
- Coloration
- soft grayish-brown with a slightly lighter underbelly and black spots on the wings
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males and females are similar in appearance, but males are generally larger
- Lifespan
- 1-2 years in the wild, up to 5 years in captivity
- Offspring per Birth
- 2
- Sexual Maturity
- 6-12 months
- Breeding Season
- Spring to early summer (March-August)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The Mourning Dove has a large and stable population across its range.
- Wild Population Estimate
- approximately 350 million
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss due to urban development and agricultural practices. Additionally, hunting in some areas can impact local populations.
- Predators
- hawks, owls, domestic cats, snakes, raccoons
- Defense Mechanisms
- Mourning Doves rely on their ability to fly quickly and evade predators, often taking off at high speeds when threatened.
- Found in Zoos
- Rare