The “mourning” tune of the Mourning Dove is likely one of the first birdsongs many individuals study, partly because of the abundance of this species. They are probably the most widespread species in North America, and have benefited drastically from human improvement. These habitat generalists are discovered all over the place besides in depth wetlands or forest, and like the patchwork of open habitats generally present in developed areas. The clearing of a lot of the Northeast for agriculture created an abundance of each habitat and meals for Mourning Doves: they solely eat crops, particularly seeds. Feeding on the bottom, they fill their crop with a whole lot of small seeds which might be then floor up by small stones (that additionally they swallow) of their gizzard. Temporarily storing seeds of their crop can be how they feed their young: they regurgitate a nutritious “crop milk” derived from the saved seeds, progressively including in additional seed matter till the young are self-sufficient. Keep an eye fixed out for Mourning Doves carrying sticks within the subsequent couple of months, and chances are you’ll discover them building a nest in your yard.
Backyard Bird of the Month is a characteristic by Maine Audubon created for the Maine Home Garden News, the e-newsletter of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard
