Main Species
Mourning Dove
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, 2008Juvenile
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, 2006Adult
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, 1997Adults
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, 1997