The common names for birds frequently lead to confusion, especially within the family of doves and pigeons, Columbidae. When discussing the “Turtle Dove” and the “Mourning Dove,” many people assume they are simply two different names for the same widely distributed bird species. This common belief, however, overlooks distinct differences in their biology and geographical distribution.
The Definitive Answer: Separate Species
The Mourning Dove and the European Turtle Dove are not the same bird species; they belong to different genera within the Columbidae family. The Mourning Dove is scientifically known as Zenaida macroura, placing it in the genus Zenaida (New World doves). The European Turtle Dove, conversely, has the scientific name Streptopelia turtur, belonging to the genus Streptopelia (Old World). Their separation at the genus level indicates a substantial evolutionary distance. Their geographical ranges rarely overlap, further confirming their separate identities. The Mourning Dove is widespread across North America, while the European Turtle Dove is a migratory bird of the Palearctic region.
Identifying the Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is an abundant and widespread species across North America, found from southern Canada down through Mexico and Central America. This bird is characterized by a slender, streamlined body and a notably long, pointed tail, which is a key distinguishing feature. Its plumage is a soft, sandy buff-brown, often with a delicate pinkish wash on the breast. A small, distinct black spot is visible on the lower side of its neck, and additional black spots decorate its wings. When taking flight, the bird’s wings produce a distinctive whistling sound, and its call is a familiar, haunting coo-ah, coo, coo, coo. The species is highly adaptable, thriving in a variety of open habitats, including suburban yards, agricultural fields, and open woodlands, where they primarily forage on seeds.
Identifying the European Turtle Dove
The European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) is a smaller and slighter bird compared to its North American counterpart. Its appearance is marked by a rich, browner coloration, with cinnamon-colored wings that have a distinct, scaly-patterned appearance due to black mottling. The head, neck, and rump are a soft blue-gray, contrasting with the vinaceous breast. A highly noticeable feature is the prominent black-and-white striped patch located on the side of the neck. The species is migratory, breeding across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa before undertaking long-distance journeys to winter south of the Sahara. The bird’s characteristic soft, purring song, often transcribed as a deep, vibrating “turrr, turrr,” is the source of its name, which is onomatopoeic from the Latin turtur.
Why Confusion Exists and Regional Naming
The persistent confusion between these two species stems from both historical naming conventions and geographic misapplication of common names. The name “Turtle Dove” predates the name “Mourning Dove” and has been used for centuries, often appearing in literature as a symbol of devoted love due to the bird’s strong pair bonds. The word “turtle” in the bird’s name comes from the Latin turtur, which mimics the species’ purring call, not the reptile. Historically, in North America, the native Mourning Dove was sometimes referred to as the “Carolina Turtle Dove” or “Carolina Pigeon,” leading to a lasting conflation of the names. The average reader is primarily familiar with the abundant North American Zenaida macroura, but the poetic history of the “Turtle Dove” name causes them to search for a connection that does not exist in scientific taxonomy.