THE MOURNING DOVE 



(Zenaidura macroura) 



OF the thirteen species of the family 

 Columbidse found in North America 

 the mourning dove is much the most 

 common and widely distributed. In its deli- 

 cate brown coloring, graceful body, and taper- 

 ing tail it resembles its larger relative, the now 

 extinct passenger pigeon. Because of its 

 habit of nesting in isolated pairs, as well as its 

 natural wariness, it is able to survive and flour- 

 ish in populated regions where well protected, 

 often nesting within town limits. In winter 

 it is more gregarious, gathering in small flocks 

 and frequently feeding around farm houses. 

 Its low mournful cooing lends enchantment 

 to the woods at evening. 



In its selection of nesting sites, the doves 



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