The Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura - is a member of the Columbidae family. They formerly were known as the Carolina Pigeon or Carolina Turtle dove.It's plaintive call gives the bird its name.

The Mourning Dove is a medium-sized, slender dove with broad wings and a rounded head. Its tail is long and tapered. The legs are short and reddish coloured. The beak is dark. The plumage is generally light gray-brown and lighter and pinkish below. The wings have black spotting, and the outer tail feathers are white, contrasting with the black inners. The eyes are dark, with light skin surrounding them.

The Mourning Dove occupies a wide variety of open and semi-open habitats, such as urban areas, farms, prairie, grassland, and lightly wooded areas. The species has adapted well to humans. It commonly nests in trees in cities or near farmsteads.

It is one of the most abundant and widespread of all North American birds. It is also the leading gamebird, both for sport and for meat. Its ability to sustain its population under such hunting pressure stems from its prolific breeding, as many as 6 broods a year. The female builds the nest. The male will gather material, and bring it to her. The nest is constructed of twigs and is flimsy. Two white eggs are laid.

The wings can make an unusual whistling sound upon take-off and landing, and the bird is capable of speeds up to 88 km/h.

Mourning Doves eat almost exclusively seeds.

The number of Mourning Doves is estimated to be in the region of 475 million.

Conservation status - Least Concern