Description

Genus and species:

Zenaida macroura (mourning dove)

Length:

11 to 13 inches

Adult weight:

3 to 5 ounces

Color:

primarily slate blue above and reddish brown below; adult males have a bluish iridescence on crown and nape and a pinkish sheen on the breast, white spots on tips of tail feathers, a black spot behind the eye, a black bill, reddish legs and feet; young birds have huffy edging on primary wing coverts.

Similar species:

ground dove, domestic pigeon, passenger pigeon (extinct)