Mourning Dove (Carolina Dove, Rain Crow)

The Mourning Dove is one of the most abundant and widespread birds in North America, easily recognized by its graceful tail, gentle cooing call, and swift, whistling flight. Their plumage is predominantly soft grayish-brown with iridescent pinkish highlights on the neck.

Soft grayish-brown or blue-gray base with a distinct dark subterminal patch or contrasting pale tip, typical of dove body plumage.

Pennaceous vane at the upper portion with tightly interlocked barbs and barbicels, transitioning slightly softer toward the base; intact and clean condition.

Smooth, soft yet firm vane with a matte finish, typical of soft-plumaged columbids.

Soft greyish-brown coloration, rounded tip, slender flexible shaft, and smooth pennaceous vane structure.

Open country, scattered trees, farmyards, suburban areas, parks, and grasslands, avoiding dense forests.

Widespread throughout North America, ranging from southern Canada through the Greater Antilles and Central America.

Important seed disperser and a primary prey species for various raptors and carnivorous mammals.

Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto), which is larger and paler gray with a distinct black neck collar.

Mourning Doves drink by suction rather than tipping their heads back like most birds, allowing them to ingest water rapidly in open areas.

Good condition, clean vane with minimal wear and no apparent breakage.