Mourning Dove
Zenaida macroura
Dove family (Columbidae)
Long slender body, small head, grayish brown back, buffy below, long pointed tail.
Nesting:
Nest is a shallow loosely constructed cup on a horizontal branch in a shrub or tree, 10 to 25 feet above the ground. Eggs are white. Clutch size – 2 eggs.
Voice:
Call is a mournful, “oo-a-hoo oo oo oo.” Wings produce a fluttering whistle when the bird takes flight.
Name Origin:
The genus Zenaida was named by Bonaparte (naturalist, 1803-1857) for his wife, Zenaide, referring to the close association of mated pairs. The species name macroura is from the Greek for "long tail."
In the Nature Park:
Year-round resident. Nests in shrubs or trees near the buildings.
Photos:
Mourning Dove
