The mourning dove, Zenaida macroura, is one of the most common birds across North America, possessing a sound that is both distinctive and easily recognizable. Their vocalization is so characteristic that it lends the species its common name, often described as melancholic or haunting in quality. This unique sound profile, coupled with a non-vocal acoustic element, makes the mourning dove a fascinating subject for auditory identification. The various sounds they produce are integral to their communication.
Describing the Classic Coo
The signature vocalization of the mourning dove is a slow, drawn-out coo that carries a low pitch, giving it a soft and hollow resonance. This sound is generally produced by the male and is commonly heard at dawn and dusk, especially during the breeding season. The entire call has a breathy, mournful quality that is the source of the bird’s name, though it is a song of attraction.
The typical cadence of the advertising coo is a five-note phrase, often represented as “Coo-oo, oo, oo, oo,” with the second note being slightly higher in pitch and accented. A subtle, grating sound sometimes precedes the first coo, which is produced in the throat. This song can sometimes be mistaken for an owl’s hooting due to its low tone and sustained nature.
The dove produces this sound using its syrinx, the avian vocal organ, where air passing through creates vibrations. The simple, pure tones and harmonic overtones of the coo contribute to its widely recognized sound.
The Context of Vocalizations
The cooing vocalizations serve specific communicative functions essential to the bird’s life cycle. The most common “advertising coo” is primarily used by a male perched conspicuously to attract a mate and advertise his territory to other males. This song is often paired with a puffed-out chest display.
Another vocalization is the “nest coo,” a softer, three-note call that males use to guide the female to a potential nest site. This sound is also employed by both members of a mated pair when they exchange incubation duties at the nest. These quieter sounds help maintain the bond between the pair and coordinate their activities.
When a dove feels threatened or is defending its space, it may use a sharper, shorter call known as an alarm call, sometimes described as a short roo-oo or a grunt. Males also use a specific “bow-coo” in conjunction with charging a rival male during territorial disputes. These differing vocalizations demonstrate that the dove’s communication repertoire is effective for managing social interactions and potential threats.
The Distinctive Sound of Flight
Beyond vocal cooing, the mourning dove is known for a distinct, non-vocal sound produced by its wings during movement. This sound is a high-pitched, mechanical whistling or whining, most noticeable during takeoff and landing. This sound is a form of sonation, meaning it is produced by non-vocal organs.
The whistling is caused by air rushing across specialized, slightly narrowed primary feathers on the outer edge of the wing, causing them to vibrate. This sound serves a practical function as a warning signal to other doves in the vicinity. Researchers have observed that the sound changes subtly when a dove is taking off in panic compared to a normal flight.
When panicked wing whistles are heard, other nearby birds often react by taking flight immediately. This suggests that the subtle variations in the intensity or pattern of the whistle are perceptible to birds and act as an involuntary alarm system, signaling immediate danger to the flock. The whistling is a reliable auditory cue that often alerts a person to the dove’s presence.