Mourning Dove    Zenaida macroura

Migratory Status: Short-distance migrant

PIF Population Estimate: 130 000 000

Percent of western hemisphere population breeding in boreal forest: <25%

PIF Maximum Detection Distance (m) : 200

Canadian BBS Population trend: 1.7 (0.7 to 2.7)

Life History

The Mourning Dove is one of the most abundant species in North America, and is also the most harvested gamebird species on the continent. Throughout most of its range, the only similar species is the feral Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), which can easily be distinguished by its much larger size, stockier build, and prominent white cere at the base of the bill. In southern and southwestern portions of the breeding range, the species becomes increasingly difficult to identify from a large number of similar species. The Mourning Dove remains distinct with its overall gray-brown appearance, black spots on the wing coverts and behind the eye, and its relatively long, pointed tail. The song of the Mourning Dove is also distinct, consisting of a series of “coo” phrases, starting with two quick introductory notes, followed by a series of 2 to 3 longer and louder notes.

The Mourning Dove breeds from east-central British Columbia to Nova Scotia, south throughout the United States. The breeding range also extends south throughout Mexico, and discontinuously to southwestern Panama. Some breeding does occur in throughout the Greater Antilles, east to Puerto Rico. Most populations are resident, except for the most northerly breeders which migrate to portions of the southern United States and Mexico.

The Mourning Dove forages almost exclusively on the ground and its principal diet consists of seeds. Foraging is most often done in areas with little ground litter where food can be easily seen. Food is often held in the crop at feeding sites and then digested later in a less conspicuous location.

Reference(s)

Mirarchi, R. E., and T. S. Baskett. 1994. Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), The Birds of North America, No. 117. A. Poole and F. Gill, eds. The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The American Ornithologists's Union, Washington, D.C.