Mourning Doves, common across North America, are a familiar sight in backyards and open spaces. These graceful birds, known for their slender tails and soft calls, are among the most widespread and abundant avian species on the continent. A common question arises: are Mourning Doves considered an invasive species? The answer is that Mourning Doves are native birds and do not fit the definition of an invasive species.
Defining Invasive Species
An invasive species is formally defined as non-native to a particular ecosystem. Its introduction causes or is likely to cause economic, environmental, or human health harm. These species often possess traits such as rapid reproduction, aggressive spread, and the ability to outcompete native species for essential resources. It is important to note that not all non-native species are invasive; many exist harmlessly or even beneficially within new environments.
Mourning Doves: A Native Presence
Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) are native to the Americas, having been an integral part of North American ecosystems for a long time. Their natural range extends from southern Canada throughout the contiguous United States, Mexico, Bermuda, and into parts of Central America. These adaptable birds thrive in diverse habitats, including agricultural fields, open woodlands, suburban areas, and urban environments.
Their widespread distribution and stable population numbers, estimated at 350 to 475 million birds in the U.S., indicate a healthy native species. Mourning Doves are prolific breeders, capable of raising multiple broods, sometimes up to six per year in warmer climates. This reproductive success contributes to their abundance and established place within the continent’s natural biodiversity.
Distinguishing From Invasive Relatives
Confusion about Mourning Doves being invasive often stems from their resemblance to the truly invasive Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto). The Eurasian Collared-Dove, originally from Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, was introduced to the Bahamas in the 1970s and spread rapidly across North America, reaching Florida by the 1980s. This species is considered invasive due to its rapid expansion and potential to compete with native birds for resources.
Several differences distinguish these two dove species. Eurasian Collared-Doves are generally larger and appear chunkier than the more slender Mourning Doves. The most prominent identifying feature of the Eurasian Collared-Dove is a distinct black half-collar on the nape of its neck, which is absent in the Mourning Dove. Instead, Mourning Doves have a small black spot below their eye.
Their tail shapes also differ: the Eurasian Collared-Dove has a broad, squared-off tail, while the Mourning Dove is characterized by a long, pointed, wedge-shaped tail with white outer feathers. In terms of coloration, Eurasian Collared-Doves are typically pale brown to gray-buff with a chalky appearance, whereas Mourning Doves are more grayish-brown and feature black spots on their wings. Furthermore, their vocalizations provide another clue; the Eurasian Collared-Dove produces a shorter, more insistent “koo-KOO-kook” call, while the Mourning Dove’s sound is a softer, drawn-out, and mournful “cooOOoo-woo-woo-woooo.”
Their Place in the Ecosystem
Mourning Doves play a natural role within their native ecosystems. They are primarily granivores, meaning their diet consists almost entirely of seeds. They forage on the ground, consuming seeds from various plants and agricultural crops, and often ingest small grit to aid in digestion. By consuming seeds, they also contribute to seed dispersal.
These birds serve as a food source for a variety of predators, including birds of prey like hawks and falcons. Their nests and young are vulnerable to predators such as raccoons, snakes, and domestic cats. The Mourning Dove’s conservation status is currently listed as “Least Concern” due to its large and stable population. They are also a popular game bird in North America, with hunting managed under federal and state regulations to ensure their populations remain sustainable.