Mourning dove
Zenaida macroura
The mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) is a member of the dove family, Columbidae.
About the Mourning dove
The mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) is a member of the dove family, Columbidae. The bird is also known as the American mourning dove, the rain dove, and colloquially as the turtle dove, and it was once known as the Carolina pigeon and Carolina turtledove. It is one of the most abundant and widespread North American birds and a popular gamebird, with more than 20 million birds (up to 70 million in some years) shot annually in the U.S., both for sport and meat. Its ability to sustain its population under such pressure is due to its prolific breeding; in warm areas, one pair may raise up to six broods of two young each in a single year. The wings make an unusual whistling sound upon take-off and landing, a form of sonation. The bird is a strong flier, capable of speeds up to 88 km/h (55 mph)
Fun Facts About Mourning dove
- The wings make an unusual whistling sound upon take-off and landing, a form of sonation.
- The bird is a strong flier, capable of speeds up to 88 km/h (55 mph).
- It is one of the most abundant and widespread North American birds and a popular gamebird, with more than 20 million birds (up to 70 million in some years) shot annually in the U.S., both for sport and meat.
- Mourning doves are light gray and brown and generally muted in color.
- Males and females are similar in appearance.
Conservation Status
The Mourning dove is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Zenaida macroura |
Range & Habitat
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Other species in the Columbidae family: