Mourning Dove

Mourning Dove
Zenaida macroura

Mourning doves are probably a common sight and sound in your neighborhood. They are often seen in pairs, perched on a wire or searching for seeds on the ground. Their call, “coo oo oo ooo,” is often confused with an owl’s. Mourning doves’ wings make a whistling sound when they fly, helping to alert each other if a predator is nearby.

Male and female mourning doves share the work of building a nest, sitting on the pair’s egg, and feeding their young. Young mourning doves learn how to fly after only two to three weeks!

Lindsay Wildlife is home to one mourning dove, Zenaida. Zenaida came to Lindsay Wildlife Hospital in 2012 from Martinez, where he was found with a wing injury that prevented him from sustaining flight. His favorite activities are playing with shoelaces and hanging out on people’s heads in an exercise aviary! 

Zenaida is currently behind the scenes at Lindsay Wildlife, but will frequently do programs; be sure to check out our Exhibit Hall for a chance to see him up close!