Mourning Dove

Start with these clues

Look for a slim body and a long pointed tail.

Relative size

Medium

Look around

Lawn, Trees

Region and season

Widespread; some northern populations migrate.

Compare carefully

Rock Pigeon is bulkier with a shorter tail.

A photograph shows one individual and one view. Check several features, the date and a regional guide before settling on an identification.

Read the Audubon species account for fuller range, behavior and identification context.