West · Pacific Flyway

Mourning Dove in Idaho

Zenaida macroura — Columbidae

CommonAbundance
Summer breederSeasonal status
8Active months

About Mourning Dove in Idaho

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 Idaho, this species is classified as common. 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 April, May, June, July, August, September.

Monthly Activity — Mourning Dove in Idaho

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 Idaho

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

Other birds in Idaho

Birds you might also encounter in Idaho.

Mourning Dove in other states

Mourning Dove in Idaho: Quick Facts

The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is a common bird in Idaho. It is classified as a summer breeder in the state, falling within the West region and the Pacific Flyway migration corridor.

Preferred habitats include open woodland, farm, suburb, garden. The best months to spot this species in Idaho are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. For birders in Boise and throughout Idaho, 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 Idaho using the related birds section.