Mourning Dove (Rain Dove, Turtle Dove)

A sleek, slender-tailed dove with a small head and thin bill. The bird is generally sandy brown with black spots on the wings. In flight, the wings make a distinctive whistling sound.

Solid grayish-brown to cool slate-gray; subtle infusion of buff near the base; no distinct banding or spotting, which is characteristic of the outer primaries of this species.

Densely packed pennaceous barbs on most of the vane for structural integrity during flight; plumulaceous (downy) barbs at the base (superior umbilicus) for insulation; hooklets are fully intact.

Smooth, matte surface with a velvety feel; notably stiff rachis; trailing edge is softer than the leading edge to allow for quiet flight.

Smooth slate-gray coloration, extreme asymmetry indicative of an outer primary, and the specific size/taper typical of the Columbidae family.

Open and semi-open habitats including agricultural fields, suburban gardens, grasslands, and lightly wooded areas.

Abundant throughout North America, from southern Canada into Central America; northern populations are migratory while southern ones are year-round residents.

Primary seed eater (granivore); serves as an important prey species for hawks and falcons; population is currently stable and thriving.

Eurasian Collared-Dove (larger, paler gray) and Rock Pigeon (generally broader and darker).

Mourning Doves can fly up to 55 mph and are known for their mournful 'coo-oo-oo' call; they are one of the few birds that can drink water by suction without tilting their heads back.

Good condition; minor separation of barbs near the mid-section; likely a naturally molted feather due to the intact calamus.