Mourning Dove (Carolina Dove, American Mourning Dove)

The Mourning Dove is a slender, medium-sized dove with a graceful long tail and small head. Its plumage is generally light grey-brown with pinkish-fawn iridescence on the breast and distinctive black spots on the wings. Known for its plaintive cooing calls and rapid, whistling flight.

Soft greyish-blue or silvery-white base with a distinct dark grey to brownish-black subterminal patch or bar along the vane edge

Pennaceous at the upper distal tip with tightly interlocked barbs, transitioning to plumulaceous (fluffy) at the base with loose, non-interlocking barbs

Smooth and silky near the tip with a matte appearance, becoming soft and downy near the proximal base

Pale greyish-white background transitioning to a stark dark grey spot or stripe, combined with a soft downy base and slender white rachis

Open country, scattered trees, farmyards, prairies, suburban areas, and urban parks avoiding dense forests

Widespread throughout North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States, Mexico, and into Central America

Serves as a primary prey species for various raptors and acts as a significant seed disperser in agricultural and open habitats

Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto), which tends to be larger with paler coloration and a distinct black neck collar

Mourning Doves are among the most abundant and widely distributed birds in North America. They can drink brackish water and are capable of flying up to 55 mph.

Good condition with minor fraying at the extreme plumulaceous base, intact distal vane, and no major structural damage