The mourning dove is one of the most common game birds in North America. The oldest recorded age for a mourning dove is 31 years. Mourning doves mostly eat seeds, making up 99% of their diet. Mourning doves eat up to 20% of their body weight every day.
Quick Facts about the Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove is one of the most abundant and widespread birds in North America.
These birds are prolific breeders, capable of producing up to twelve chicks in a single breeding season.
Mourning Doves are great fliers, able to reach speeds up to 55 miles per hour!
The sound they make when they take off is actually produced by their wings, rather than an actual vocalization
The Mourning Doves main predators include birds of prey such as falcons or hawks, as well as domestic cats.
These birds can often be seen sunbathing and enjoying rainwater. They are also known to take dust baths as well.
Seeds make up the vast majority of their diet, although they occasionally will eat insects and snails.
Mourning Doves mate for life. Males do most of the nest building, but have been known to take over other bird and squirrel nests.
Young Mourning Doves are ready to leave the nest fifteen days after hatching. They can even live up to thirty one years old!
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