Mourning Dove

A sleek, slender dove with a long, pointed tail. The Mourning Dove is known for its mournful 'coo-ah, coo, coo, coo' call and the distinctive whistling sound its wings make during takeoff. They have a delicate pinkish-beige breast and gray wings spotted with black.

Uniformly slaty-gray to brownish-gray; the outer vane is darker (charcoal) while the inner vane transitions to a lighter silver-gray. There are no bold bands or spots, which is diagnostic.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs providing a stiff, aerodynamic surface; plumulaceous (downy) barbs are present only at the very base of the calamus.

Smooth and velvety to the touch with a matte finish; the leading edge is very stiff to resist air pressure during the characteristic whistling takeoff.

Distinguished by its uniform gray coloration, extreme asymmetry of the vanes, and the lack of white tipping or bold bars seen in other dove species.

Extremely versatile; found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, grasslands, suburban gardens, and urban parks.

Year-round resident across most of North America, from Southern Canada to Central Mexico. Northernmost populations migrate south for winter.

Primarily a seed eater (granivore); they play a role in seed dispersal but are mostly known as a vital prey base for raptors like Cooper's Hawks.

Eurasian Collared-Dove (larger, lighter gray), White-winged Dove (has a bold white wing patch), Rock Pigeon (larger, broader feathers).

Mourning Doves can fly at speeds up to 55 mph. They are also known for 'pigeon milk,' a nutrient-rich secretion from their crops used to feed their young (squabs).

Excellent condition; the vanes are intact without significant fraying or fault bars, suggesting a healthy bird and a recently molted feather.