Mourning Dove

Have you ever had a mourning dove nest in your backyard? If not, you should try to attract them. These entertaining nesters will raise multiple broods all summer! Learn how to attract a mourning dove to your yard, and listen to its song.

Photo: Roland Jordahl

• Scientific Name: Zenaida macroura.
• Family: Pigeon.
• Length: 12 inches.
• Wingspan: 18 inches.
• Distinctive Markings: A brown, pigeon-like bird that is larger than an American robin, but smaller and slimmer than a pigeon. It has a long, pointed tail with white edges conspicuous in flight. Male and female look alike.
• Nest: Commonly found in an evergreen, 10 to 25 feet above ground on a hotizontal branch. Builds a loose, bulky platform of sticks in which it lays two pure-white eggs. Pairs raise two to five broods each year.
• Song: A coo that consists of five to seven notes: "coo-ah, cooo, cooo, coo."
• Habitat: Open woods, evergreen plantations, orchards, farmlands, roadside trees and suburban backyards and gardens.
• Diet: About 98 percent seeds and plant materials.
• Backyard Favorites: Tray feeder filled with wild bird seed mix or cracked corn. They will visit birdbaths to drink and bathe.