Mourning Dove (also known as the Carolina Dove or American Mourning Dove)

The Mourning Dove is a medium-sized, slender-tailed dove with a pinkish-fawn breast, dark spots on the wings, and a plaintive, owl-like cooing call. They are graceful fliers capable of rapid, direct flight accompanied by a distinctive whistling sound made by their wings.

Soft grayish-brown (taupe) with a slightly paler, dusty grayish-white base; melanin-based pigmentation showing a subtle warm hue under direct light

Pennaceous at the upper distal tip with interlocked barbs, transitioning to a plumulaceous (fluffy/downy) structure near the base; intact barbs with no visible afterfeather

Soft and silky texture with a matte appearance and slight flexibility along the vane

Soft taupe-gray coloration, small rounded contour shape, delicate structure with a fluffy base, and lack of strong barring

Open country, scattered trees, farmyards, suburban areas, parks, and grasslands, avoiding dense unbroken forests

Widespread across North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States and Mexico into Central America, as well as the Greater Antilles

Important granivores that help disperse seeds, and a primary prey species for many raptors and mammalian predators

Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto), which is larger, paler, and features a distinct black neck ring

Mourning doves are among the most abundant and widely hunted birds in North America. They drink by sucking up water, unlike most birds that take a sip and tilt their heads back.

Good condition with intact barbs and minimal signs of wear or fading