Doves produce a range of distinctive sounds. These vocalizations and non-vocal noises serve various purposes, from attracting mates to alerting others to danger. Understanding these auditory cues can help in their identification. This article explores the characteristic sounds doves make, from their well-known cooing to other signals.
The Iconic Cooing Sound
The most recognized sound associated with doves is their soft, low-pitched coo, often described as mournful or wistful. This characteristic call, which for Mourning Doves is typically rendered as “coo-AHH, cooo, coo, cooo,” is primarily produced by male doves. The male inflates a portion of his upper esophagus upon exhaling, creating the resonant sound.
The primary function of this cooing is communication, particularly for attracting a mate and establishing territory. Unmated male Mourning Doves often sing an “advertising call” or “perch coo” from a conspicuous location to draw in females. They defend these singing spots from other males. Another specific coo, the “nest coo,” consists of three notes that descend and then rise, used by males to guide females to potential nest sites and by both parents during incubation shift changes.
Other Dove Vocalizations and Non-Vocal Sounds
Beyond the familiar coo, doves produce a variety of other sounds, both vocal and non-vocal. Mourning Doves are known for a sharp, whistling sound made by their wings, especially when taking flight suddenly. This “wing whistle” is created by air rushing through specialized feathers, causing them to vibrate. It acts as a natural alarm system, signaling danger to other birds. Research indicates other birds can differentiate between normal flight sounds and alarmed wing whistles, responding by taking cover.
Males also engage in specific non-vocal displays during courtship. A male may perform an aerial display, flying up with noisy wingbeats before gliding in wide circles. On the ground, a male might approach a female with his chest puffed out, bowing while cooing. While male doves produce most prominent cooing sounds, females may produce an “ohr-ohr-like sound” when nest-sitting. Other dove species, like the Inca Dove, produce a distinct dry, shuffling sound with their wings upon takeoff, differing from the typical whistle.
Distinguishing Dove Sounds from Other Birds
Differentiating dove sounds from other birds requires attention to their unique rhythm, pitch, and timbre. The low, soft, and mournful quality of a dove’s coo helps set it apart. This sound is sometimes confused with an owl’s hoot due to its resonant nature, but owls are primarily active at night, making their calls less common during daylight hours.
When identifying doves by sound, consider the specific phrasing and repetition. For instance, the Eurasian Collared Dove has a distinct three-part coo, often described as “can you coo, can you coo.” In contrast, the Wood Pigeon’s coo might be interpreted as “wood pigeon pigeon, wood pigeon pigeon pigeon,” emphasizing syllables differently. Paying attention to these variations helps accurately identify the source of the cooing.