Mourning Dove

Zenaida macroura

First photographed: July 2, 2026
First location: Colorado, United States
Conservation status: Least Concern

Two mourning doves on a sunlit rock in Fountain, Colorado

An evolving study

Mourning Dove portfolio

This collection grows as I return to photograph new behavior, habitat, seasons, and stages of life.

Natural history

Species at a glance

Zenaida macroura

Overview

The Mourning Dove is a slender, widespread dove named for its low, plaintive cooing song. It feeds primarily on the ground and produces nutrient-rich crop milk for its young.

Identification

Soft tan-gray plumage with black spots on the wings, a small head, black cheek mark, blue orbital skin, and a long pointed tail edged in white. The wings whistle during rapid takeoff.

Range

Occurs across southern Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean. Northern populations migrate, while many southern birds remain resident.

Habitat

Open woodland, grassland, farmland, desert scrub, roadsides, towns, parks, gardens, and utility corridors.

Diet

Almost entirely seeds and grain, swallowed from the ground and stored temporarily in the crop.

Photography by Brittany Templin

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