Mourning Dove

A soft, buff-colored feather from a Mourning Dove. These birds are slender-tailed, small-headed pigeons known for their mournful 'coo-oo' call and whistling wing beats.

Pale grayish-tan or buff base with subtle darker grayish-brown subterminal banding and a whitish tip. The coloration is muted and earthy.

Pennaceous at the distal end (top half) where barbs are interlocked, transitioning to a large plumulaceous (downy) base for insulation.

Smooth and soft at the tip; extremely silky and wispy at the base. It has a matte finish typical of non-waterfowl species.

Soft tan/gray coloration, prominent plumulaceous base, and a small, delicate rachis characteristic of the Columbidae family.

Open and semi-open habitats including agricultural fields, suburban gardens, grasslands, and light woods.

Abundant across North America, from Southern Canada through the United States to Central America; many populations are year-round residents.

Primary seed eater; important prey species for hawks and other raptors. They play a role in seed dispersal.

Eurasian Collared-Dove (usually grayer, less buff) or White-winged Dove (larger and darker).

Mourning Doves can drink water without tilting their heads back, and they produce 'crop milk' to feed their young.

Good condition; the distal pennaceous vane is slightly separated at the tip, but barbs are largely intact with fresh downy base.