Mourning Dove (Carolina Dove)

The Mourning Dove is a slender, medium-sized dove with a long, tapered tail, pinkish-fawn to grayish-brown upperparts, and a soft cooing call. Its flight is fast and direct, producing a distinctive whistling sound.

Slate gray to brownish-gray with a uniform, matte coloration typical of Columbidae flight feathers, lacking striking bars or spots.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous structure with well-developed barbicels forming a cohesive vane, and minor plumulaceous down at the extreme base.

Stiff yet flexible vane with a smooth, matte surface texture adapted for efficient aerodynamic flight.

Uniform slate-gray or brownish-gray coloration, strong white-gray rachis, and a length around 4.5 inches without prominent black barring.

Open country, scattered trees, farmyards, suburban gardens, and urban parks.

Widespread throughout North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States to Central America, year-round and migratory.

Acts as a vital granivore spreading seeds and serving as a primary prey species for various raptors and urban predators.

Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), which has larger feathers and often shows iridescent neck patches or distinct wing bars.

Mourning Doves are one of the most widely distributed and abundant birds in North America and can drink brackish water without ill effects.

Good condition with minor wear at the edges, intact rachis, and no visible fault bars or parasitic damage.

4 1/2 inches. Massachusetts neighborhood