: an American dove (Zenaida macroura) with a pointed tail and a plaintive coo
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebThe early goose season runs statewide for 15 days, while the teal season is open for nine and the mourning dove season continues through Nov. 29. Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2022 Home gardens may see nesting mourning dove, a covey of baby quail, or the miracle of tiny hummingbird chicks hatching from miniature eggs in a nest not much bigger than a large thimble. Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2022 Fitzsimmons says mourning dove numbers are slightly below the long-term average in the central and north zones, but the totals are up from the state’s last spring survey in 2019. Matt Williams, Dallas News, 21 Aug. 2021 Wildlife experts estimate the state’s resident mourning dove population at around 25 million. Matt Williams, Dallas News, 21 Aug. 2021 The oblivious mourning dove outweighs many rivals, but proves relatively peaceful.Washington Post, 26 Nov. 2021 There are no reliable data on Los Angeles’ mourning dove population. Laura Blasey, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2021 Over George Washington’s head, the mourning dove’s glossy swirls ping against a matte sky.BostonGlobe.com, 8 Apr. 2021 Texas mourning dove hunters make up about one-third of the national total and typically account for about 33% of the national harvest on mourning doves and 90% of the whitewing total. Matt Williams, Dallas News, 29 Aug. 2020 See More
Word History
First Known Use
1833, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
mourning dove
noun
: a dove of the United States named for its mournful cry