| Mourning Dove Identification Tips |
| (Credit: U. S. Geological Survey) |
| General
Information - Sexes similar - Medium-sized, somewhat slender dove with very thin neck - Black bill Adult - Pale buff-brown head, neck, breast, and belly - Purple and green iridescence on neck - Small black mark on lower neck - Medium brown back and upperwings, with large black spots on coverts - Long tail is pointed at tip - Dark brown tail with white tips to outer four tail feathers Juvenile - Dark brown mottled head neck and breast - Scaly neck and upperwings with numerous black spots on coverts and scapulars - Pale belly - Medium length tail is pointed at tip Similar species Long pointed tail is distinctive for adults, while black spotting on coverts and pale color help distinguish it from White-winged and White-tipped Doves. Juvenile is easily confused with Common Ground-Dove and Inca Dove, but is longer necked, shows a pointed tail with more white at edges and lacks cinnamon in primaries. |
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