MOURNING DOVES

Mourning doves are a medium sized bird about 12 inches (30cm) and can be identified by their long pointed tail bordered by white tips which are very distinctive in flight. When the birds fly they flap their wings continually creating a whistle as the air passes through the wing feathers. Just like other doves and pigeons this one jerks its head with each step when it walks.
They can be found in grasslands, farmlands, open woods and roadsides. They are equally at home in backyards with evergreens, fruit trees, and suburban gardens. A mourning dove's melancholy song is often heard in the early morning. Some people find it a sad sound but I find the soft song soothing.