Monday, November 24, 2008

Bird of the Week - Xll




This week's "Bird of the Week" is the Mourning dove. Believe it or not, the Mourning dove is one of the 10 most abundant birds in North America. This medium sized, pigeon like bird is about 9 - 13 inches long with a wing span of approximately 15 - 18 inches. It has a small head with a long pointed tail and a light grayish-brown body. There are black spots on its wings. The sexes similar in appearances, but the males are slightly larger and slightly more colorful, with a bluish crown and pink chest.


Mourning doves feed mostly on ground, especially on relatively bare ground, where they eat seeds. Mourning doves usually feed in pairs or flocks.


In many states in the country, the Mourning dove is a game bird, meaning that it can be legally hunted.


To learn more about the Mourning dove and to hear it's song, click on this link: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Mourning_Dove_dtl.html


Photo taken from All About Birds.






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