Mourning Dove by Maria Corcacas

Cool fact

On hot rainy days, Mourning Doves may lean forward, hold up their wings, and fluff themselves up allowing water to get into their feathers. In a cold rain or if they don't want to get wet, they hold their heads high and flatten their feathers and the water flows off.

Sound

Song is a mournful “Ocoo-OOH, Ooo-Ooo-OooÓ”. Wings whistle in flight.

To listen to the songs of this species click here.

Habitat

Found almost everywhere. Prefers open areas, farmland, open woods, deserts, forest edges, cities and suburbs.

Food

Grains and seeds; occasionally eats snails, slugs, insects. Grit is an important part of their diet.

Did you know?

Mourning Doves are hunted heavily throughout most North America, yet they remain among the 10 most abundant birds in the United States.

To learn more about Mourning Doves please visit All About Birds.