See all posts in the Birds of Carver County series
Zenaida macroura — the scientific name for our Mourning Dove is another of those Latin-based monikers that combine a description with history.
The second part, macroura, means long-tailed, which is a characteristic that helps us see this species when it explodes from its resting place and creates an unexpectedly loud squeaky-wheel exclamation, from a bird that might have been uttering soft cooing murmurs moments before.
The first part of the name, Zenaida, was given in honor of Zenaide Laetitia Julie Princesse Bonaparte of Spain (1801-1854). She was the cousin and wife of French ornithologist Prince Charles Bonaparte — nephew of the famous soldier and self-proclaimed emperor Napolean Bonaparte.
Our name of Mourning Dove reflects the “mournful” coos that are sometimes repeated for long periods by males trying to attract a mate. To the ears of other doves, and scientific recordings, other coos are associated with alarms, greetings, advertising and telling its mate that it’s time for her to sit on the nest.
Mourning Doves form a pair bond for the breeding season and share in the care and feeding of their young. Nesting occurs only after the male has been accepted as suitable by the female, and after an aggressive courtship period that has the male puffing up his feathers and chasing her continuously on the ground or from perch to perch.
Their short lives — usually about one year — put some urgency to the whole process. Several clutches may be raised in one breeding season. Only two eggs are usually laid, and nests are used again for the next brood.
Dove and pigeon hatchlings are called “squabs.” They receive “crop milk” formed from secretions from the lining of the crop of both sexes and contains the fat and protein needed for growth. The parents’ ability to produce this food from their bodies is probably the factor that limits the number of eggs. Crop milk is also produced by flamingos and Emperor Penguins to feed their young.
Juvenile Mourning Doves are similar to adults — 9 to 13 inches long, males are larger than females, both are gray–brown with black spots on their wings and behind their eyes which are bordered by blue skin. Long, pointed tail feathers have white tips that are shown when in flight and when viewed while they are perched. The young doves are distinguished by a mottled pattern of white edges on their wing feathers.
In Carver County, Mourning Doves can be seen throughout the year. Even in our coldest winters, they will come to tray feeders and walk around them searching for the bits scattered by the finches and sparrows that also brave the frigid conditions.
Away from our habitats, doves will eat seeds that have fallen to the ground from crops, grasses and wild plants. Mourning Doves eat roughly 12 to 20 percent of their body weight per day, or 71 calories on average. While on the ground, they are especially vulnerable to predation by house cats.
Besides our providing birds with food during the year, we can also help them survive winter by keeping a heated water source. Most species that come to bird baths will fill their bill and then tilt their head back to swallow. Doves and pigeons have a unique method of drinking — they will immerse their bill and use suction to drink up the water. Cleanliness and frequent changing of the water is mandatory for the health of your guest birds.
Mourning Doves favor open country, farmsteads, edges of crop fields and suburbs. Their population in Minnesota appears to be declining, but the abundance of communication wiring and tree perches continually provide us with viewing opportunities.
Their musical soft calls in the spring let us know this species has continued to adapt to our presence and has survived to serenade our neighborhoods for another year.
For more information:
The Sibley Guide to Birds, David Allen Sibley
Breeding Birds of Minnesota, Pfannmuller, Niemi and Green
The Audubon Society’s Encyclopedia of North American Birds, John K. Terres
Birds of the World, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Online: All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology LINK
Online: Minnesota Seasons – Exploring Nature in Minnesota LINK
Online: Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas
