Midwest · Central Flyway

Mourning Dove in South Dakota

Zenaida macrouraColumbidae

UncommonAbundance
Summer breederSeasonal status
4Active months

About Mourning Dove in South Dakota

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 South Dakota, 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 South Dakota

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

Best Time to See Mourning Dove in South Dakota

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

Other birds in South Dakota

Birds you might also encounter in South Dakota.

Mourning Dove in other states

Mourning Dove in South Dakota: Quick Facts

The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is an uncommon bird in South Dakota. It is classified as a summer breeder in the state, falling within the Midwest region and the Central Flyway migration corridor.

Preferred habitats include open woodland, farm, suburb, garden. The best months to spot this species in South Dakota are April, May, September, October. For birders in Sioux Falls and throughout South Dakota, 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 South Dakota using the related birds section.