Mourning Dove (Rain Dove, Turtle Dove)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Columbiformes, Family: Columbidae, Genus: Zenaida, Species: macroura
Family: Columbidae (Doves and Pigeons)
- Shape
- Elongated and tapered with a rounded tip; mostly symmetrical vanes typical of inner tail feathers, becoming slightly asymmetrical toward the outer tail.
- Size
- Approximately 5 to 6 inches (12-15 cm) in length; the width is about 0.75 inches (2 cm). This is consistent with adult tail feathers for this medium-sized dove.
- Rarity
- Very Common; one of the most widespread and abundant birds in North America.
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Description
These feathers belong to a slender, medium-sized dove known for its mournful 'coo-oo' call. The bird has a small head, a long pointed tail, and a sandy-buff coloration with black spots on the wings. In flight, the white-tipped outer tail feathers (seen here) flash conspicuously.
Colour & Pattern
Soft grayish-brown or 'mouse-gray' base color. A prominent, broad black subterminal band is present, and the tips are noticeably paler, transitioning to a light gray or off-white. The ventral (under) side is lighter than the dorsal side.
Barb Structure
Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs providing a smooth, wind-resistant surface. The base of the feather shows a small amount of plumulaceous (downy) structure near the calamus.
Texture & Surface
Silky and smooth to the touch with a matte finish. Typical of Columbiformes, the feathers feel slightly 'doleful' or soft, not glossy or rigid like a hawk's.
Key Features
The most diagnostic feature is the broad black subterminal band combined with the pale gray/white tip on a medium-sized, grayish-brown tail feather.
Habitat
Extremely versatile; found in open woodlands, prairies, agricultural fields, suburban backyards, and urban parks. Avoids dense, unbroken forests.
Geographic Range
Abundant throughout North America, from southern Canada to central Mexico. Most populations in the U.S. are year-round residents, while northern individuals migrate south in winter.
Ecological Role
Primary seed eaters (granivores), playing a role in seed dispersal. They are a major prey species for raptors like Cooper's Hawks and Falcons.
Similar Species
White-winged Dove feathers have much more white at the tips and lack the specific tapering. Eurasian Collared-Dove tail feathers are broader and the black band is less distinct.
Interesting Facts
Mourning Doves are known for their 'wing whistle,' a high-pitched sound created by their feathers during takeoff and landing, which acts as an alarm signal to other birds.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The barbs are mostly intact, though there is slight separation (zipper-like gaps) visible on the left feather, likely due to contact with vegetation or during the molt process.