Mourning Dove Photo Gallery
Adult
Gray above with large black spots on the wing coverts and pale peach-colored below, with a long, thin tail. Note the thin, black bill and pinkish legs.
© Ryan Schain / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, April 08, 2014Adult
In flight shows a long, fan-shaped tail with large white tips. Its wings make a distinctive high-pitched whistle in flight.
© Nancy Christensen / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, March 11, 2017Adult
Characteristic "mourning" call is made by puffing up the throat but without opening the bill.
© Larry Arbanas / Macaulay LibraryTexas, April 20, 2008Not all videos have soundJuvenile
Juveniles look similar to adults, but with small white tips to most of the upperparts feathers, and white markings in the face.
© Joseph Boros / Macaulay LibraryTexas, August 11, 2016Adult
Shows a black mark on the side of the neck that can be hidden, depending on the angle.
© Tyler Ficker / Macaulay LibraryOhio, March 05, 2017Adult
Note small, round head, straight, thin bill, and long, pointed tail with white edge. Often found in backyards and neighborhoods.
© Eric Liner / Macaulay LibraryNew York, May 01, 2006Not all videos have soundAdult
Constructs small, flimsy nests in a variety of trees and bushes.
© Jay McGowan / Macaulay LibraryNew York, May 15, 2015Adult
Often occurs in flocks, sometimes quite large, and perches prominently in a variety of habitats.
© Lewis Ulrey / Macaulay LibraryIdaho, November 05, 2015Adult
Nest is a flimsy pile of twigs or needles arranged on a flat surface such as a tree branch, gutter, railing—or cactus.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryArizona, April 17, 1997Not all videos have soundAdults
Typically feeds on the ground, in the open, and usually in small groups. Often comes to platform feeders and to seed scattered on the ground.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryTexas, April 23, 1997Not all videos have soundCompare with Similar Species
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Species in This Family
Pigeons and Doves(Order: Columbiformes, Family: Columbidae)
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