Mourning dove

Scientific name: Zenaida macroura

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Mourning doves are sleek, streamlined pigeons with warm tan-buff plumage, a small rounded head, and a long pointed tail. Males display iridescent neck patches and are slightly larger with deeper coloration than females.

Size and weight

Adults weigh 120–180 g (females typically 110–140 g, males 130–170 g) with body length 23–27 cm.

Habitat

Mourning doves occupy open and semi-open habitats including grasslands, agricultural fields, scrublands, and woodland edges. They tolerate arid to semi-arid conditions and are found from sea level to approximately 2,500 m elevation.

Distribution

Mourning doves are widespread across North and Central America, occupying a continuous range from southern Canada through the United States, Mexico, and into Central America. They favor open country with scattered trees and shrubs for roosting.

Diet

Mourning doves feed primarily on seeds from grasses, weeds, and cultivated crops, with preference shifting seasonally toward available seed sources.

Behaviour

Mourning doves are diurnal and highly mobile, departing roosting sites at dawn to feed in flocks that dissolve during the day. They are swift fliers and often flush explosively when alarmed, producing distinctive whistling wing sounds.

Hunting tips

Scout fields at dawn and dusk when doves are most active; look for droppings and dusted areas on bare ground indicating feeding sites. Approach from downwind using terrain features for cover, moving slowly during peak activity periods. Doves flush readily, so position yourself along flight corridors between roosting and feeding areas for optimal shooting opportunities.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 8 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.