Mourning Dove
Zenaida macroura

f5 @ 1/8000s, ISO:1250, Nikon D3S w 500mm


\"Mourning Dove,\" Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The mourning dove is a member of the dove family, (Columbidae). The bird is also called the turtle dove or the American mourning dove or rain dove, and used to be known as the Carolina pigeon or Carolina turtledove. It is one of the most abundant and widespread of all North American birds. It is also the leading gamebird, with more than 20 million birds (up to 70 million in some years) shot annually in the U.S., both for sport and for meat. Its ability to sustain its population under such pressure stems from its prolific breeding: in warm areas, one pair may raise up to six broods a year. The wings can make an unusual whistling sound upon take-off and landing, a form of sonation. The bird is a strong flier, capable of speeds up to 88 km/h (55 mph). Mourning doves are light grey and brown and generally muted in color. Males and females are similar in appearance. The species is generally monogamous, with two squabs (young) per brood. Both parents incubate and care for the young. Mourning doves eat almost exclusively seeds, but the young are fed crop milk by their parents.
Laguna Seca Ranch, Edinburg, Texas
 
01/22/2016