mourning dove

noun

: an American dove (Zenaida macroura) with a pointed tail and a plaintive coo

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web But over the years, he’s noticed that the call of the mourning dove has all but disappeared. Laura Blasey, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2021 The 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 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mourning dove.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mourning dove was in 1833

Dictionary Entries Near mourning dove

Cite this Entry

“Mourning dove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mourning%20dove. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

mourning dove

noun
: a dove of North America with a mournful call

More from Merriam-Webster on mourning dove

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