The mourning dove is the most abundant and widespread game bird in North America, despite an annual harvest in the millions. This member of the Pigeon family is about one foot long with a grayish brown back and buff-colored underside. Unlike the non-native pigeons you see in cities, mourning doves have pointed rather than blunt-tipped tails.

As its common name suggests, this species’ call is a mournful coo (which some people mistake for an owl). Mourning doves also make non-vocal noises too. The next time you observe this bird taking off to fly, listen for the nervous whistling sound created as wind quickly travels over its wing feathers.

For more information about mourning doves in Georgia, visit www.georgiawildlife.com and search for “mourning dove.”

WILD Facts is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division.