The Mourning Dove, Zenaida macroura, is a familiar and widespread avian species across North America. This bird is recognized by its graceful, slender profile and soft, light gray-brown plumage, often seen foraging quietly on the ground in backyards and open fields. Its distinct, gentle cooing call often sounds like a lament, which is the source of its common name. As one of the most abundant birds on the continent, its presence is a common feature of the natural landscape from southern Canada down through Mexico.
Conservation Status and Population Trends
The Mourning Dove is not endangered, confirmed by its official classification as a species of “Least Concern” by international conservation bodies. This designation reflects its robust and extensive population across its massive range. Monitoring data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates the number of individual doves in the United States at approximately 337 million as of September 2024.
While the overall continental population is stable, wildlife managers monitor three distinct zones—the Eastern, Central, and Western Management Units—to track regional health. Monitoring programs, which involve banding and surveys, show that while local fluctuations occur, the species has maintained its abundance over the last two decades. The management goal is to maintain the population in a healthy, productive state.
Biological Factors Supporting High Population Success
The high abundance of the Mourning Dove is sustained by intrinsic biological traits that compensate for naturally high mortality rates. Unlike many birds that raise only one brood per season, Mourning Doves are prolific breeders, capable of raising multiple clutches annually. A single pair in warmer climates can raise up to six broods of two young each within a single breeding season.
This high reproductive rate is supported by a short nesting cycle, with parents often renesting quickly after a successful fledging. The species is also highly adaptable, thriving in diverse environments like agricultural fields, suburban parks, and urban centers. This adaptability provides ample nesting sites and foraging opportunities, as their generalist diet consists almost entirely of widely available seeds.
Legal Frameworks Governing Mourning Dove Management
The Mourning Dove is classified as a migratory game bird, placing it under the protection and management of federal law. Its regulatory status is governed by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), codified in 16 U.S.C. 703–712. This federal oversight ensures the species is managed as a renewable resource through international treaties with Canada and Mexico.
The management strategy primarily utilizes regulated hunting seasons to ensure the sustainability of the population. Each year, wildlife agencies conduct extensive population assessments, including banding and analyzing wing samples from harvested birds. This data informs the specific harvest regulations and limits set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.