Pigeon-like Birds
Mourning Dove
Zenaida
macroura
Description
12" (30 cm). Soft, sandy buff with a
long pointed tail bordered with white. Black spots on
wings.
Voice
Low mournful (hence its name) coo-ah, coo,
coo, coo.
Habitat
Open fields, parks, and lawns with many
trees and shrubs.
Nesting
2 white eggs in a loosely made nest of
sticks and twigs placed in low bushes and tall trees, more rarely on
the ground.
Range
Breeds from southeastern Alaska,
Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick southward to Mexico
and Panama. Winters north to northern United States.
Discussion
This abundant bird has increased with
the cutting of forests and burning off of grass. The Mourning Dove
is common in rural areas in all parts of the United States, as well
as city parks and, in winter, suburban feeders. In some states it is
hunted as a game bird while in others it is protected as a songbird.
Its species name, macroura, is Greek for "long-tailed." The young
are fed regurgitated, partially digested food known as pigeon
milk.
Pigeon-like Birds