A Familiar Cooing Call
The Mourning Dove’s name reflects its soft, mournful cooing call. Some listeners mistake the sound for the hooting of an owl.
Appearance
Mourning Doves have small heads, plump bodies, and long, pointed tails. Adults are about 12 inches long, with grayish coloring above and a lighter, brownish breast.
A small black spot marks the cheek, and males have iridescent coloring on the neck. White markings on the tail become noticeable when the bird flies.
Habitat
Look for Mourning Doves around farms, roadsides, woodlands, and small towns.
Listen to the Mourning Dove
Select Play to hear the Mourning Dove recording.