Doves in Georgia: Exploring the Beauty of These Graceful Winged Wonders (2024)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

In Georgia, you’ll often spot the graceful mourning dove, a slender-bodied bird with pointed tails and agile flight abilities reaching 55 mph.

These seed-eaters frequent backyard feeders, their black-spotted gray plumage and pinkish legs making them easy to identify.

mourning doves prefer dense shrubbery or evergreen habitats near water sources for their flimsy nests.

At dawn and dusk, observe their unique drinking behavior of suctioning water without lifting their heads.

While their melancholic "mourning" calls symbolize peace, learning about their intriguing habits and comparing them to other Georgia doves promises an enriching experience.

Mourning Doves in Georgia

As one of Georgia’s most abundant birds, you’ve likely encountered the mournful cooing of mourning doves.

These graceful creatures, with their grayish plumage and black-spotted wings, are a common sight in parks and backyards across the state.

From their plaintive calls and flimsy twig nests to their affinity for birdseed and peaceful symbolism, mourning doves evoke nostalgia and tranquility.

Keep an eye out for their courtship flights and migratory patterns as these beloved birds continue thriving in our urban and rural landscapes.

Physical Characteristics and Flight

You’d be awestruck by the incredible wingspan and feather patterns of mourning doves! These aerial acrobats can soar at speeds up to 55 mph.

• Their slender bodies and pointed tails make them agile flyers
• Beaks are adapted for eating seeds and grains
• Migration routes span multiple states and provinces

Mourning doves share the Columbidae family with eurasian collared-doves, rock pigeons, white-winged doves, and common ground doves. Inviting them to your bird feeders rewards you with mesmerizing avian displays.

Nest and Habitat

Those graceful wingers prefer nesting in dense shrubbery, evergreens, or on the ground, often near water sources. Their nests are:

• Flimsy constructions of twigs, needles, or grass
• Sometimes requisitioned from other birds or mammals
• Found amidst dense foliage or on the ground
• Typically located close to water sources
• Ideal for bird watching or backyard enjoyment

Observing mourning doves nesting offers a fascinating glimpse into their natural behaviors and habitats in Georgia.

Drinking Habits

Moving on to their drinking habits, you’ll often find mourning doves gathering at nearby water sources around dawn and dusk to quench their thirst. However, their presence is easily disturbed by human activity, causing them to:

• Take flight with a distinctive whistling of their wings
• Startle easily when approached unexpectedly
• Drink by suctioning water at the edge of ponds or puddles
• Avoid lifting their head while drinking, a unique behavior

Observe these graceful birds from a respectful distance to fully appreciate their natural drinking routines.

Diet and Other Facts

You may notice mourning doves foraging for seeds on the ground, walking instead of hopping. They swallow grit to aid digestion after filling their crop with food. Beyond their diet, these doves:

• Make a melancholic "mourning" call, evoking rural nostalgia
• Symbolize peace and love with their graceful presence
• Frequently roost in trees, a common backyard sight
• Thrive abundantly in areas like Peachtree Park

Their simple behaviors and striking looks make mourning doves a beloved part of Georgia’s natural landscape.

Mourning Doves Vs. Rock Pigeons

You might confuse Mourning Doves with the more plump Rock Pigeons lurking around urban areas. However, Mourning Doves have:

• Grayish plumage with black wing spots and long tails
• Pinkish legs and a black bill
• A tendency to visit backyard bird feeders
• Strong flight capabilities, reaching 55 mph
• Preference for denser shrubbery habitats

Unlike the often variable Rock Pigeon, the elegant Mourning Dove has distinct markings and behaviors worth appreciating.

Eurasian Collared-Doves

While Mourning Doves are native to the area, you may also encounter Eurasian Collared-Doves, an invasive species in Georgia. These birds thrive in urban and suburban settings, similar to their Mourning Dove cousins but with distinct features:

1. Sandy brown color
2. Long, square-tipped tail
3. Prominent black collar on neck
4. Larger size than Mourning Doves

Keep an eye out for these striking doves, easily identified by their unique black collars, as you explore Georgia’s towns and cities.

White-winged Doves and Common Ground Doves

Moving on, let’s explore two more fascinating dove species found in Georgia:

• White-winged Doves: Pale grayish-brown with a distinctive white wing stripe and black cheek mark. They thrive in urban areas, feeding on sunflower and safflower seeds.
• Common Ground Doves: Petite, sparrow-sized birds with a plain gray-brown back and pinkish underparts. They nest on the ground and forage for fallen seeds.

These doves have adapted remarkably well to human presence, adding charm to our suburban landscapes. Their unique appearances and behaviors make them delightful backyard visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)