Monday, March 17, 2008

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.

3 comments:

Mel said...

COOL!!! That's an awesome blinking picture!!! So elegant.

Unknown said...

I love to catch them with their eyes closed. :) Mourning Doves are under appreciated I think. :)

Lisa said...

That is a beautiful picture... and how cool that you caught the dove blinking!

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