Adult

Description

Size:  12”

Plumage/Description:  Male and female plumage similar.  Overall tan-brown plumage, with a small amount of green iridescence on the neck.  Black spots on the wings.  Mourning Doves have a long, tapered tail that is outlined with black and white markings.

Habitat:  Suburban, Residential, Grassland, Oak/Chaparral, Pinyon/Juniper, Ponderosa/Coniferous, Riparian/Deciduous

Time of year:  Year-round

Relative Abundance:  Common

Behavior:  One of the most abundant species, found in every habitat. Usually occurs in pairs, or small flocks.  Common backyard bird at feeders, where it prefers white-proso millet, but will also eat other seed ingredients including Black-oil Sunflower seeds.

Diet:  Seeds, insects

Similar species:  White-winged Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove

Best Sites:  Willow Lake, Heritage Park, Acker Park, Watson Woods