← ALL BIRDS
Mourning
Doves · Species portfolio
Mourning
Dove
Unlike most birds that scoop water and tilt their head back, mourning doves use their bills to suck up water continuously.
The bird is also known as the American mourning dove, the rain dove, and colloquially as the turtle dove, and it was once known as the Carolina pigeon and Carolina turtledove.
When startled or taking off, their wings make a sharp whistling or whinnying sound to warn other birds of danger.
Their feathers attach loosely to their skin so they can easily pull free if a predator grabs them, helping them escape.
Featured photo Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina · September 12th, 2025
Portfolio
