Mourning Dove

This is a characteristic outer tail feather of the Mourning Dove, a slender, medium-sized bird with a long, pointed tail. The bird is known for its grey-brown plumage and black spots on the wings. In flight, the white tips of the outspread tail feathers are highly visible, which is exactly the feature seen on this specimen.

Base color is a soft brownish-grey or mouse-grey. Features a prominent white or creamy-white tip on the outer edge and a dark subterminal band (grey-black).

Pennaceous and tightly interlocked along the majority of the vane for flight stability; plumulaceous (downy) at the very base near the calamus.

Smooth, silky, and somewhat flexible. The surface has a matte appearance with a slight 'powdery' feel characteristic of Columbids.

White terminal/subterminal spotting on a grey-brown background; asymmetrical vane; slender profile; characteristic 'Columbid' grey hue.

Found in a wide variety of open and semi-open habitats including farms, grasslands, woods, suburban backyards, and roadsides.

Abundant across North America, from southern Canada to central Mexico; year-round resident in most of the United States.

Primary seed eaters (granivores), acting as important prey for hawks and falcons. They are prolific breeders, often raising multiple broods per year.

Eurasian Collared-Dove (larger, different tail pattern), White-winged Dove (has much more extensive white on the wing, but tail spots are similar).

The 'mourning' in its name comes from its low, sorrowful cooing sound. They are one of the most widespread and abundant birds in North America, and they can fly at speeds up to 55 mph.

Good condition; the vanes are mostly intact with minor 'zipper' separation at the tip. No significant sun-bleaching or parasite damage is visible.