Mourning Dove

Mourning Dove
[Zenaida macroura]

The Mourning Dove, or the Turtledove, is common throughout North America. A group of them is called a Pitying of Turtledoves. Their call is described as plaintive, and it does sound slightly sad.
Mourning Doves are considered to be the closest related dove to Passenger Pigeons, a bird that as of 1914 is an extinct species.
Mourning Doves are about 13 inches long with a wingspan of about 18 inches. They have the distinct round head and small beak that all doves share, and a long, thin tail. They are gray with a slight purplish-pink hue on the head and breast. They have black spots on their wings, with a tell-tale black mark on their cheek below their eyes. Males and Females look alike.