Birdsong field guide
Mourning Dove
Zenaida macroura
A common, slender-tailed member of the pigeon family known for its soulful song and rapid, whistling flight.
What it sounds like
A rhythmic, mournful 'coo-OO-oo-oo-oo' that is often mistaken for the hooting of an owl.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- They are among the most prolific breeders of all North American birds, sometimes nesting up to six times per year.
- During flight, their wings produce a distinct, high-pitched whistling sound caused by specialized feathers.
- Both parents produce 'crop milk,' a protein-rich secretion used to feed their young, known as squabs.
- They can drink brackish water without falling ill, a rare trait among most land bird species.
- An individual can consume up to 20 percent of its body weight in seeds daily, often storing them in an enlarged esophagus called a crop.
Habitat
Open and semi-open areas including agricultural fields, suburban backyards, and light woodlands.
Range
Widespread across North America, from southern Canada through Central America and the Caribbean.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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