Mourning doves, with their distinctive cooing calls, are frequently encountered across North America. Despite common misunderstandings, these birds are not extinct; the mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) remains one of the most widespread and abundant avian species on the continent.
Mourning Doves Today
The mourning dove population is robust, with approximately 346 million individuals estimated across North America as of September 2023. This species occupies a vast geographical range, spanning nearly 11 million square kilometers (4.2 million square miles). They are year-round residents throughout the continental United States, southern Canada, Mexico, the Greater Antilles, and Bermuda. Mourning doves exhibit remarkable adaptability, thriving in diverse open and semi-open habitats. They are commonly found in urban and suburban areas, agricultural fields, grasslands, and lightly wooded regions. Their ability to coexist with human development contributes to their widespread presence, as they utilize lawns, gardens, and even man-made structures for nesting and foraging.
A significant factor in the mourning dove’s thriving status is their prolific reproductive capacity. In warmer climates, a single pair can raise up to six broods annually, with each brood typically consisting of two young. This high reproductive rate helps to offset their naturally high mortality rates, which can be between 50% and 65% for adults each year.
Why the Misconception?
The misconception that mourning doves are extinct often stems from their visual similarity to the passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius), a species that became extinct in the early 20th century due to overhunting and habitat destruction. Many people confuse the two, unaware that despite a superficial resemblance, mourning doves are a distinct and unrelated species. The last known passenger pigeon died in 1914, serving as a cautionary tale of extinction, but not of the mourning dove.
Another reason for this misunderstanding can be localized population shifts. While the overall population of mourning doves is stable or experiencing only slight declines, specific areas may see temporary reductions due to factors like changes in local habitat or urbanization. For example, a decrease in certain agricultural practices or significant construction can alter preferred foraging and nesting sites, leading to fewer doves in a particular neighborhood.
A general awareness of global bird population declines can contribute to the mistaken belief about mourning doves. Many bird species face threats from habitat loss and environmental changes, leading to widespread concerns about avian conservation. However, mourning doves are an exception to this trend, demonstrating remarkable resilience and reproductive success even in human-altered landscapes.