Northeast · Atlantic Flyway

Mourning Dove in New Jersey

Zenaida macroura — Columbidae

CommonAbundance
Year-round residentSeasonal status
12Active months

About Mourning Dove in New Jersey

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

Monthly Activity — Mourning Dove in New Jersey

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 New Jersey

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 New Jersey

Birds you might also encounter in New Jersey.

Mourning Dove in other states

Mourning Dove in New Jersey: Quick Facts

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

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