Mourning Dove

Copyright Barbara Samuelson 1998 The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is hunted extensively in some parts of North America, and it is estimated that more than half of the young birds born each spring do not live beyond their first year. The sad notes of the bird's song are usually heard just before dawn in the spring and summer. The Mourning Dove is 11-13", slim, with a small head and long, tapered tail. It is a soft sandy brown or brownish gray above, with a few black spots; paler below, sometimes washed with pale cinnamon; tail feathers tipped with white. It's voice is a low, sad whoo-oo, hoo, hoo, hoo; the second note rises sharply.

Mourning Dove and Chick

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