Mourning doves are a common sight in backyards and open areas across North America. While recognized by their appearance, they are often identified by their unique sounds. Their vocalizations serve as a primary way to distinguish them from other bird species.
The Iconic Cooing Call
The most familiar sound of the mourning dove is its distinctive cooing call, often described as a mournful “Oh, woe, woe, woe, woe.” This low-pitched, drawn-out vocalization has a soft, somber quality that carries well. The sound typically consists of four or five notes, with the first often slightly higher in pitch, followed by three or four softer, descending notes.
Mourning doves commonly utter this cooing from elevated perches such as utility wires, tree branches, or rooftops. This vocalization is heard most frequently during the breeding season, from early spring through late summer.
Other Distinct Sounds
Beyond cooing, mourning doves produce other sounds, particularly during flight. A distinct whistling sound often accompanies their takeoff and landing, created by the specialized structure of their primary flight feathers. As doves push air with their wings, the feathers vibrate, generating this audible whistle. This sound is a byproduct of their flight mechanics, not an intentional vocalization.
Mourning doves also employ a shorter, more abrupt “coo-OO-oo” sound, sometimes called a “nest call” or “perch call.” This vocalization is less drawn out than the iconic coo and is typically used in closer proximity to a mate or nest site. When startled, a dove may produce a sharp, almost guttural “oof” sound as it bursts into flight, often accompanied by the wing whistle.
Understanding Their Calls
Mourning dove sounds serve distinct purposes related to survival and reproduction. The iconic cooing call plays a significant role in attracting mates and establishing territorial boundaries. Males typically use this prolonged vocalization to signal their presence to potential partners and to warn other males away from their chosen nesting areas.
The whistling sound produced by their wings during flight can also function as an unintentional alarm signal. When a dove takes off abruptly with a loud wing whistle, it can alert other nearby doves to a potential threat. These auditory cues, whether vocalized or mechanical, contribute to the communication system of the mourning dove, aiding in their social interactions and overall survival.