Mourning Dove

The mournful cooing of the Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is one of our most familiar bird sounds. From southern Canada to central Mexico, this is one of our most common birds, often abundant in open country and along roadsides. European settlement of the continent, with opening of the forest, probably helped this species to increase. It also helps itself by breeding prolifically: in warm climates, Mourning Doves may raise up to six broods per year, more than any other native bird.