The Mourning Dove
One Feather at a Time — Ep. 8
The Mourning Doves are easy to spot in backyards, parks, and quiet streets. They’re medium-sized birds with soft gray and tan feathers, a long pointed tail, and a gentle, rounded shape. Their cooing call is one of the most familiar bird sounds in North America—slow, low, and a little sad-sounding.
Mourning Dove
They feed mostly on seeds and prefer flat surfaces like platform feeders or the ground. I usually see them picking through spilled seed under hanging feeders or perched on trees close by. They’re often in pairs, and sometimes small groups, especially in the early morning.
Their flight is fast and direct, with strong wingbeats and a sharp whistling sound when they take off. They’re surprisingly quick for a bird that looks so calm when resting.
Mourning Doves nest in trees, shrubs, or even on ledges. The nests are pretty basic—just a loose pile of twigs. They often reuse the same spot or build on top of an old nest. I usually see them nesting in pine trees in several forest trails close to home.
They’re year-round residents in many parts of Canada, though some head south for winter. In colder months, they’re more vulnerable to frostbite, especially on their feet, which aren’t well protected. They tend to eat a lot at once, storing food in their crop, then rest in sheltered spots to digest and stay warm.
