Fifty Birds of Town and City
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macoura) Turtle Dove
A dark spot on the side of the neck distinguishes the Mourning Dove from other native
doves and pigeons except for the white-wing of the southwest. Also known as turtle
dove, the "mourner" frequently nests in suburban and city shrubbery throughout
the United States, Mexico, and southern Canada; it winters from the central United States
to Panama--and is part of folklore in all those countries.
Mourning doves eat the seeds of plants, including grain, plus berries and the
small wild fruits of any region through which they pass. Despite that melancholy but
peaceful "coo," they are restless migratory creatures. Doves live in the
large cities, small towns, villages, and countryside; songs are sung and poems written
about them; they are esteemed game birds that may nest in trees in your yard.
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