Backyard visitor

A morning visit, from a Mourning Dove.

Isn't she lovely, I caught her blinking.

Here are some facts about the Mourning Dove:

Scientific Name: Zenaida macroura.

Family: Pigeon.Length: 12 inches.

Wingspan: 18 inches.

Distinctive Markings: A brown, pigeon-like bird that is larger than an American robin, but smaller and slimmer than a pigeon. It has a long, pointed tail with white edges conspicuous in flight. Male and female look alike.

Nest: Commonly found in an evergreen, 10 to 25 feet above ground on a hotizontal branch. Builds a loose, bulky platform of sticks in which it lays two pure-white eggs. Pairs raise two to five broods each year.

Song: A coo that consists of five to seven notes: "coo-ah, cooo, cooo, coo."

Habitat: Open woods, evergreen plantations, orchards, farmlands, roadside trees and suburban backyards and gardens.

Diet: About 98 percent seeds and plant materials.

Backyard Favorites: Tray feeder filled with wild bird seed mix or cracked corn. They will visit birdbaths to drink and bathe.