The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is one of the most widespread and abundant bird species across North America. This familiar bird is frequently seen perched on utility wires or foraging on the ground. The origin of its name often sparks curiosity, as the word “mourning” suggests sadness or grief. This distinctive common name reflects the unique sound the bird produces, not its behavior or appearance.
The Distinctive Mourning Call
The primary reason for the common name is the male’s vocalization, a low and drawn-out sequence of notes perceived by human listeners as sorrowful. The sound is a plaintive coo-OO-woo-woo-wooo, which can easily be mistaken for an owl’s hoot from a distance. This specific series of coos is known as the perch coo and is used by the male to attract a mate or to proclaim his territory.
The quality of the sound is soft and resonant, giving it a lamenting or doleful character that inspired the name. While the sound suggests melancholy, the bird is simply engaging in standard social and reproductive communication, not expressing emotional distress.
Identifying the Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove is recognizable by its physical appearance, which is slender and streamlined. It is a medium-sized dove, typically measuring about 12 inches in length, characterized by a small head and a long, tapered tail. The plumage is a muted grayish-brown or buffy-tan, often featuring small black spots on the wing coverts.
The tail is its most distinctive physical feature, being noticeably pointed, unlike the squared tails of many other dove species. Another unique sound associated with the bird is a sharp whistle or whinnying noise. This sound is produced mechanically by the wings as the bird takes off or lands, providing a quick auditory cue for identification in flight.
The Origin of the Common Name
The common name, “Mourning Dove,” arose from the subjective perception of the bird’s vocalization by early European settlers and naturalists. The soft, descending quality of the coo was interpreted as an expression of grief, leading to the application of the term “mourning.” This naming convention is descriptive of the acoustic experience, not the bird’s actual temperament.
The scientific name, Zenaida macroura, provides a contrasting and more objective description of the species. The genus name Zenaida was bestowed by French naturalist Charles Lucien Bonaparte to honor his wife, Zénaïde. The specific epithet, macroura, is derived from ancient Greek words meaning “large” and “tail,” a direct reference to the bird’s long, pointed caudal feathers.