South · Atlantic Flyway

Mourning Dove in Delaware

Zenaida macroura — Columbidae

CommonAbundance
Year-round residentSeasonal status
12Active months

About Mourning Dove in Delaware

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 Delaware, this species is classified as common. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months.

Monthly Activity — Mourning Dove in Delaware

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 Delaware

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

Other birds in Delaware

Birds you might also encounter in Delaware.

Mourning Dove in other states

Mourning Dove in Delaware: Quick Facts

The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is a common bird in Delaware. It is classified as a year-round resident in the state, falling within the South region and the Atlantic Flyway migration corridor.

Preferred habitats include open woodland, farm, suburb, garden. For birders in Wilmington and throughout Delaware, 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 Delaware using the related birds section.