Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) are one of the most widespread bird species across North America. Identifying the sex of an individual dove is challenging because they are sexually monomorphic, meaning males and females look nearly identical. While definitive sexing requires internal examination or DNA analysis, careful observation of subtle visual distinctions, specific behaviors, and vocal patterns can provide strong clues.
Subtle Visual Cues
The primary way to differentiate the sexes visually is by examining slight differences in plumage color and physical structure. A male Mourning Dove often exhibits a brighter, more vivid overall appearance compared to the female. The male typically displays a distinct bluish-gray wash across the crown of his head, which is largely absent in the female.
The male’s chest and breast area also tend to have a subtle rosy or pinkish-tan hue, giving him a richer coloration than the female. The male possesses a noticeable iridescent patch on the sides of his neck that catches the light with a shimmering pink or purple-green sheen. This iridescence is either completely lacking in the female or is present only as a faint, dull bronze patch.
In terms of physical shape, the male is generally slightly larger and heavier than the female, though this difference is difficult to judge without direct comparison. The male’s head may appear more robust and less rounded than the female’s, giving him a more defined profile. These visual cues are highly dependent on good lighting and can vary significantly between individual birds.
Distinct Behavioral Roles
Observing the interaction between two doves during the breeding season offers the most reliable field method for sex determination. The male performs almost all conspicuous courtship and territorial displays. Clear male-specific actions include aggressive chasing of rivals and the elaborate, upward-spiraling courtship flight, which ends in a slow, circular glide.
The “bow-coo” ritual is an unmistakable male display: he approaches the female with his chest puffed out, repeatedly bows his head, and delivers soft cooing notes. During nest construction, the male gathers and delivers materials, such as pine needles and twigs, to the female. The female remains at the chosen nest site, receiving the materials and arranging them to form the shallow nest cup.
During the incubation period, duties are strictly divided between the pair. The male typically takes the primary shift during the day, covering the eggs from mid-morning until late afternoon. The female assumes the incubation duties for the night and the early morning hours, making the timing of their activity a strong behavioral indicator.
Differences in Vocalization
The familiar, drawn-out, and mournful “coo-oo, coo, coo, coo” is the primary vocal clue. This territorial and advertising call is almost exclusively made by the male dove. He uses this sound, sometimes called the “perch coo,” to attract a mate and declare his territory from an elevated perch. The female is generally quieter and does not perform this long-range advertisement call.
Both sexes employ a shorter, softer sound known as the “nest coo” while on the nest. This low, guttural vocalization is used as a greeting or as a signal when one parent arrives to relieve the other during incubation. A sudden, sharp, non-vocal whistle is also heard when a dove takes off quickly. This sound is produced by air rushing through specialized wing feathers and is made by both males and females as an alarm response.
Reliability and Context
Identifying the sex of a single Mourning Dove is inherently difficult due to their physical similarities. Relying on a single visual cue, such as faint pink breast color, is often misleading because lighting conditions and individual variation can make a dull male appear like a bright female. The most accurate assessments come from viewing the birds within the context of a breeding pair.
Observing a pair allows for a direct comparison of size and plumage intensity, and confirmation of the distinct behavioral roles. Outside of the spring and summer breeding season, when courtship displays and nesting duties are absent, distinguishing the sexes becomes significantly less reliable. Ultimately, the only way to confirm a dove’s sex with certainty is through laboratory methods, such as DNA testing or a surgical examination.