Mourning Dove

The Mourning Dove is a slender, medium-sized bird with a long, pointed tail. Its plumage is a palette of soft grays and tans with black spots on the wings. In flight, they are known for their rapid, direct path and a distinctive 'whistling' sound produced by the feathers. Their song is a soulful, rhythmic 'coo-OO-oo-oo-oo'.

Soft, grayish-brown (taupe) base color. The tip is noticeably darker chocolate-brown, fading into a lighter, silvery-gray along the trailing edge and base. The underside is a uniform pale silvery-gray.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous structure throughout the vane, providing the necessary rigidity for flight. A small amount of plumulaceous (downy) structure is visible at the very base near the calamus.

Smooth and velvety to the touch. The feather has a matte appearance with a slight 'bloom' or powder common in Columbiformes. The leading edge is stiff, while the trailing edge is slightly more flexible.

Soft taupe coloration, distinct darkening at the rounded tip, extreme asymmetry, and the absence of any bright white or bold banding common in other local doves.

Extremely versatile: found in open woodlands, grasslands, agricultural fields, suburban backyards, and urban parks. In Bend, Oregon, they are common in high desert sagebrush and ponderosa pine margins.

Abundant throughout North America, from southern Canada into Central America. In Central Oregon, they are primarily summer residents, though some may remain year-round depending on winter severity.

Primary seed eaters, playing a role in seed dispersal. They are an important prey species for raptors like Cooper's Hawks and American Kestrels.

Eurasian Collared-Dove feathers are larger, darker gray, and lacks the soft taupe-brown hue. Rock Pigeon primaries are generally thicker, darker, and longer.

The whistling sound heard when they take off is not vocal; it is 'wing-whirring' caused by specialized primary feathers. Mourning Doves are also prolific breeders, sometimes raising up to six broods in a single season.

Good condition. The barbs are mostly intact, though there is a slight separation (split) in the vane on the trailing edge. The calamus is clean, suggesting a natural molt.

In Bend, Oregon