How to Discern: Telling a Mourning Dove from a Pigeon
It can be tricky to tell these two birds apart, but learning how to distinguish a mourning dove from a pigeon is surprisingly simple: Mourning doves are smaller, slender birds with pointed tails and soft cooing sounds, while pigeons are larger, stockier birds with rounded tails and a more varied vocalization.
Introduction: The Subtle Art of Bird Identification
Bird identification can feel daunting, especially when faced with seemingly similar species. Two birds often confused are the mourning dove and the pigeon. While both are common in urban and rural environments, understanding their key differences is essential to how can you tell a mourning dove from a pigeon? This article will explore these differences in detail, equipping you with the knowledge to confidently identify these fascinating birds. We will delve into physical characteristics, behavioral patterns, and vocalizations to aid you in your avian adventures.
Physical Distinctions: Size, Shape, and Color
One of the most obvious ways to distinguish a mourning dove from a pigeon is by observing their physical attributes.
- Size: Mourning doves are significantly smaller than pigeons. An adult mourning dove typically measures between 11 and 13 inches in length, whereas a pigeon can range from 11 to 15 inches, but often appears much larger due to its build.
- Build: Doves are slender and graceful, with a streamlined body shape. Pigeons, on the other hand, are stockier and more robust in appearance.
- Tail: The tail is a crucial differentiating factor. Mourning doves possess a long, pointed tail, accounting for a large portion of their total length. Pigeons have a shorter, rounded tail.
- Coloration: While both species exhibit muted colors, there are subtle differences. Mourning doves are generally a soft, muted brown or gray, with black spots on their wings. Pigeons display a wider array of colors, including gray, white, brown, and iridescent hues.
Behavioral Clues: Movement and Habitat
Beyond physical traits, observing the behavior of a bird can provide invaluable clues to its identity.
- Flight: Mourning doves exhibit a fast, direct flight pattern, often making a whistling sound with their wings. Pigeons tend to fly with a more labored, flapping motion.
- Ground Movement: Doves often walk with a delicate, precise gait, while pigeons tend to waddle.
- Habitat: While both species can be found in similar environments, pigeons are much more common in densely populated urban areas, frequently congregating in large flocks. Mourning doves are more often seen in open woodlands, fields, and suburban gardens.
Vocalizations: The Language of Birds
Vocalizations provide another key element to how can you tell a mourning dove from a pigeon?
- Mourning Dove: As their name suggests, mourning doves are known for their mournful, cooing calls, often described as a soft “hoo-oo-oo-oo.” This distinctive sound is a reliable indicator of their presence.
- Pigeon: Pigeons produce a variety of sounds, including cooing, grunting, and squawking. Their cooing is generally lower and less melodic than that of a mourning dove.
Quick Reference Table
To easily compare these key features, refer to the table below:
| Feature | Mourning Dove | Pigeon |
|---|---|---|
| —————– | ———————————— | ———————————— |
| Size | Smaller (11-13 inches) | Larger (11-15 inches) |
| Build | Slender and graceful | Stockier and robust |
| Tail | Long and pointed | Short and rounded |
| Coloration | Soft brown/gray, black spots | Varied: gray, white, brown, iridescent |
| Flight | Fast, direct, whistling wings | Labored, flapping |
| Ground Movement | Delicate gait | Waddling |
| Habitat | Woodlands, fields, suburban areas | Urban areas, large flocks |
| Vocalization | Soft, mournful “hoo-oo-oo-oo” | Cooing, grunting, squawking |
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Even with careful observation, it’s easy to make mistakes when attempting to distinguish a mourning dove from a pigeon. Some common pitfalls include:
- Relying solely on color: Pigeon coloration can vary widely, leading to confusion with doves if only color is considered.
- Judging solely by size: Juvenile pigeons can be smaller, making them appear closer in size to mourning doves.
- Ignoring tail shape: This is perhaps the most reliable indicator, yet it is often overlooked. Always pay close attention to the shape of the tail.
Further Learning: Expanding Your Birding Knowledge
To enhance your bird identification skills:
- Use a Field Guide: A good field guide, specifically tailored to your region, is an invaluable resource.
- Join a Birdwatching Group: Learning from experienced birders can accelerate your progress.
- Practice Regularly: The more you observe and identify birds, the better you will become.
- Use Bird Identification Apps: Several apps are available to help you identify birds based on photos or audio recordings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I tell the difference between a juvenile pigeon and a mourning dove?
Juvenile pigeons can be smaller than adult pigeons, making them appear closer in size to mourning doves. However, even young pigeons tend to have a stockier build and a rounded tail, while mourning doves, regardless of age, maintain a slender frame and pointed tail. Focus on body shape and tail shape, rather than just size, when identifying young birds.
Are there any specific markings that are unique to mourning doves?
Yes, mourning doves typically have black spots on their wings, which are often absent in pigeons. Additionally, they often exhibit a blueish-gray patch around their eyes. However, relying solely on these markings isn’t foolproof, as some pigeon varieties may also display dark markings.
Do mourning doves and pigeons ever interbreed?
No, mourning doves and pigeons belong to different genera within the dove and pigeon family (Columbidae), making interbreeding impossible. They are as different as lions and tigers, though both are big cats.
What is the typical lifespan of a mourning dove versus a pigeon?
Mourning doves typically live for 1 to 5 years in the wild, while pigeons have a longer lifespan, often living for 5 to 15 years or even longer in captivity. This difference in lifespan reflects the different survival challenges faced by each species.
Are mourning doves migratory birds?
Yes, mourning doves are partially migratory. Birds in northern regions typically migrate south for the winter, while those in warmer climates may remain year-round. The migration patterns of mourning doves can vary depending on the availability of food and suitable nesting sites.
Why are pigeons so common in urban environments?
Pigeons, specifically feral pigeons (descendants of domesticated rock doves), thrive in urban environments because of the abundance of food (often provided by humans), shelter (buildings and structures), and a lack of natural predators. Their adaptability and opportunistic feeding habits make them well-suited to city life.
What do mourning doves eat?
Mourning doves are primarily seed eaters. Their diet consists mainly of seeds from grasses, grains, and weeds. They also consume small amounts of insects and snails. They often forage for food on the ground, carefully picking up seeds and grit.
What kind of nest do mourning doves build?
Mourning doves build flimsy, shallow nests made of twigs, grass, and leaves. These nests are often located in trees, shrubs, or even on the ground. They are not particularly skilled nest builders, and their nests are sometimes prone to collapse.
Do pigeons carry diseases?
Pigeons can carry certain diseases, such as histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis. However, the risk of transmission to humans is generally low, especially with proper hygiene practices. It’s important to avoid direct contact with pigeon droppings and to wash your hands thoroughly after being in areas where pigeons are present.
Are mourning doves protected by law?
Yes, mourning doves are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This law makes it illegal to hunt, kill, or possess mourning doves without a permit. However, hunting is permitted during designated seasons in many states and provinces, subject to regulations.
How can I attract mourning doves to my yard?
You can attract mourning doves to your yard by providing a source of water, such as a bird bath, and planting seed-bearing plants, such as sunflowers, millet, and sorghum. Leaving some bare patches of ground for them to forage on can also be beneficial.
How can you tell a mourning dove from a pigeon if you only hear the bird and don’t see it?
The distinctive call is the best indicator. Mourning doves have a soft, mournful “hoo-oo-oo-oo” cooing sound. Pigeons have more varied sounds including cooing, grunting and squawking. Focus on the tone and cadence of the sound: is it drawn out, melodic, and mournful, or shorter, lower, and more varied? This auditory cue alone can frequently solve the mystery of how can you tell a mourning dove from a pigeon?