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In response to several questions:

The Mourning Dove is a bird, not a mammal. The Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) isn't the same species as the Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) but they are both in the Dove Family (Columbidae). The name likely springs from their humble, sad song (as one in mourning for the loss of a loved one) but that is only a guess. I have no proof, concerning their name, but anyone who has heard one would likely conclude the same. Unlike the Carrier Pigeon, that once flew through North American skies by the billions, but was hunted to extinction, the Mourning Dove isn't endangered; however it is a hunted bird.

It's natural range is in North America. There is some migration but most inhabit the United States and Mexico, year round. For North American bird watchers, they are a common sight -- so common that they are seen as friends in the field. They are very inquisitive (often watching us, even through windows, as if we are exhibits in their "zoo") and, so, are considered to be as intelligent as crows and other exceptional birds.

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11y ago

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