Pigeons and Doves: Columbidae

Physical characteristics: American mourning doves have olive-gray backs and brownish gray bellies. Their necks are an iridescent pink and purple.

Geographic range: American mourning doves are found in North America and Central America.

Habitat: American mourning doves are found in grassland areas, in hot, dry areas, and sometimes on agricultural lands.

Diet: American mourning doves eat primarily seeds.

American mourning doves get their name from the mournful, sad, call that they make. (C. C. Lockwood/Bruce Coleman Inc. Reproduced by permission.)

Behavior and reproduction: In American mourning doves, males court females by standing behind them and cooing. Males also inflate their crop, showing off the colors of their throat. Males do not bow. At the nest site, males continue to call while spreading their tails in order to show off their white feather tips.

American mourning doves and people: American mourning doves are hunted for sport and food in the United States and Mexico.

Conservation status: American mourning doves are not threatened. ∎