Midwest · Mississippi Flyway
Mourning Dove in Illinois
Zenaida macroura — Columbidae
About Mourning Dove in Illinois
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 Illinois, this species is classified as uncommon. It visits during the breeding season, typically spring through summer. The best months to observe this bird are April, May, September, October.
Monthly Activity — Mourning Dove in Illinois
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Mourning Dove in Illinois
Other birds in Illinois
Birds you might also encounter in Illinois.
Mourning Dove in other states
Mourning Dove in Illinois: Quick Facts
The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is an uncommon bird in Illinois. It is classified as a summer breeder in the state, falling within the Midwest region and the Mississippi Flyway migration corridor.
Preferred habitats include open woodland, farm, suburb, garden. The best months to spot this species in Illinois are April, May, September, October. For birders in Chicago and throughout Illinois, 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 Illinois using the related birds section.