
Mourning Dove (also known as Rain Dove, Turtle Dove)
Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Columbiformes; Family: Columbidae; Genus: Zenaida; Species: Zenaida macroura
Family: Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
- Shape
- Asymmetrical vane typical of flight feathers, with a slightly rounded to blunt tip and a broad trailing edge.
- Size
- Approximately 3.5 to 4.5 inches (9-11 cm) in length; consistent with mid-range flight feathers for this species.
- Rarity
- Very Common; one of the most abundant and widespread birds in North America.
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Description
This is a secondary wing feather from a Mourning Dove, a slender, medium-sized bird known for its mournful 'coo-oo' call and whistling wings. The bird features a long, pointed tail and soft grayish-brown plumage.
Colour & Pattern
Dull grayish-brown to olive-tan base; the distal end shows a darker brownish-black hue. No distinct spotting is visible on this specific feather, though common on the coverts.
Barb Structure
Primarily pennaceous with tightly interlocked barbs for flight efficiency; slight plumulaceous down at the base of the calamus.
Texture & Surface
Smooth and somewhat velvety, typical of Columbids. The surface has a matte appearance with high flexibility.
Key Features
Gray-brown coloration, light-colored calamus/rachis, and the specialized 'soft' texture characteristic of dove feathers which aids in quieter flight.
Habitat
Ubiquitous across open and semi-open habitats, including agricultural fields, suburban gardens, grasslands, and light woods.
Geographic Range
Resident to migratory across North America, from Southern Canada through Central America and into the Caribbean.
Ecological Role
Significant seed consumer and an important prey species for raptors like Cooper's Hawks and Falcons.
Similar Species
White-winged Dove (larger, with white patches), Rock Pigeon (larger, darker), or Eurasian Collared-Dove (grayer, less brown).
Interesting Facts
Mourning Doves can fly at speeds up to 55 mph. Their wings make a distinct high-pitched whistling sound during takeoff and landing, which may serve as an alarm signal.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; shows some separation of the barbs (zipping) at the tip and slight wear along the trailing edge, likely a molted feather.