The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is named for its woeful call. The cooooOOOOO-woo-woo-woo call is almost always uttered by the male bird, not the female, and is a wooing call, an enticement to a mate or potential mate. Mourning Doves drink water by sucking – a remarkable accomplishment for birds. Mates typically stick together for the long run and become very devoted parents. The mourning dove is buff-colored with a small head, a plump body and a long pointed tail. Their eyes have a blue ring of featherless skin around them. It is one of the most abundant and widespread birds in North America.
