West · Central Flyway

Mourning Dove in Colorado

Zenaida macroura — Columbidae

AbundantAbundance
Summer breederSeasonal status
8Active months
285,931Observations

About Mourning Dove in Colorado

Mourning Doves prefer open feeding areas and take seed from the ground or broad trays. Clean ground-feeding areas, native seed plants, nearby trees, and accessible water suit their habits.

In Colorado, this species is classified as abundant. It visits during the breeding season, typically spring through summer. The best months to observe this bird are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Peak activity occurs in May, June, July, August.

Monthly Activity — Mourning Dove in Colorado

Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
RegularSeasonalRare

Identification

Colorstan, gray, black
Size23–34 cm
Habitatopen woodland, farm, suburb, garden
FamilyColumbidae
View full Mourning Dove profile →

Best Time to See Mourning Dove in Colorado

January
Active
February
Active
March
Active
April
Peak
May
Peak
June
Peak
July
Peak
August
Peak
September
Peak
October
Peak
November
Active
December
Active

Other birds in Colorado

Birds you might also encounter in Colorado.

Mourning Dove in other states

Mourning Dove in Colorado: Quick Facts

The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is one of the most commonly seen bird in Colorado. It is classified as a summer breeder in the state, falling within the West region and the Central Flyway migration corridor.

Preferred habitats include open woodland, farm, suburb, garden. The best months to spot this species in Colorado are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. For birders in Denver and throughout Colorado, knowing the seasonal patterns of Mourning Dove can help plan birding trips and backyard feeding strategies.

year-round in much of the United States; northern birds migrate. Use the monthly activity chart above to plan your birding outings, and explore other bird species found in Colorado using the related birds section.