South · Central Flyway

Mourning Dove in Texas

Zenaida macroura — Columbidae

AbundantAbundance
Year-round residentSeasonal status
12Active months
743,096Observations

About Mourning Dove in Texas

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

Monthly Activity — Mourning Dove in Texas

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 Texas

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

Other birds in Texas

Birds you might also encounter in Texas.

Mourning Dove in other states

Mourning Dove in Texas: Quick Facts

The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is one of the most commonly seen bird in Texas. It is classified as a year-round resident in the state, falling within the South region and the Central Flyway migration corridor.

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