Mourning Dove (Zenaida Macroura)

Photos by BarrytheBirder

The Mourning Dove is the most abundant and widespread dove in southern Canada, the U.S.A., Mexico, Panama and West Indies.   It is found in a wide variety of habitats, including farmyards, grassy meadows, cultivated fields, towns and suburbs, parks and backyard feeders.

It has a trim body and its long tail tapers to a point.   It has black spots on its upperwings and pinkish wash below.

The Mourning Dove's call is a mournful oowoo-woo-woo-woo.   Its wings produce a fluttering whistle as it takes flight.   In some American states it is hunted as a gamebird, while in others it is protected as a songbird.

It may breed as far north as southeastern Alaska.

The Mourning Dove's young are fed regurgitated partially digested food known as pigeon milk, according to the Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds.

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BarrytheBirder