Mourning Dove
Zenaida macroura
Order - Columbiformes; Family -Columbidae

The Mourning Dove is a pigeon-like bird with a large breast, a relatively small head and a low, ooo-ing “mournful “ song.

It is greyish-brown with black-spotted wings, a short bill, reddish legs and feet and a long pointed tail.

Mourning doves are plentiful in woodlands, farms, open areas, and suburbs in the US , Caribbean islands and Mexico, spreading somewhat farther north into Canada and south into central America as weather permits.

They feed primarily on seeds found on the ground but will also come to feeders. Their wings make a whistling sound that is particularly noticeable when the birds take flight.

Their ability to produce up to six broods of young per year contributes to their large population. The female constructs a nest in a tree with some assistance from the male.

The pair bond is strong and persistent. Both birds will incubate the few small white eggs and then feed the young for about 2 weeks after hatching.