Mourning doves and rock doves, also known as rock pigeons, are two different species of birds in the dove and pigeon family Columbidae. At a glance, they may appear similar, but there are some key differences between mourning doves and rock doves.
Appearance
In terms of physical appearance, mourning doves and rock doves have some similarities but also some distinct differences:
Size
Mourning doves are generally slimmer and smaller than rock doves. An adult mourning dove is about 25-34 cm (9.8-13.4 inches) long with a wingspan of 37-45 cm (14.6-17.7 inches). They weigh 85-170 g (3-6 oz). Rock doves are larger at 28-35 cm (11-13.8 inches) long with a wingspan of 62-72 cm (24.4-28.3 inches). Rock doves weigh 125-240 g (4.4-8.5 oz).
Coloration
Both mourning doves and rock doves have grayish coloring on their bodies, but the specific patterns differ:
- Mourning doves: Light grayish-brown overall with black spots on the wings. Pinkish feet. White edges on the tail feathers.
- Rock doves: Darker blue-gray color on the head, wings, and chest with a dark band on the tail. Green and purple iridescence around the neck. Red feet.
Shape
Mourning doves have a slender, elongated profile with a small rounded head and a tapered tail. Rock doves have stockier bodies, larger heads, and squared off tails.
Beak
The mourning dove’s beak is long, pointed, and black. The rock dove has a short pink beak with a white cere.
Eyes
Mourning doves have dark brown eyes. Rock doves have orange or red eyes.
Behavior
Mourning doves and rock doves also differ in their behavior:
Flight
In flight, mourning doves are swift with rapid wing beats. Their pointed wings make a whistling sound. Rock doves are also fast flyers, but have more direct, less erratic flight patterns.
Landing
Mourning doves land gracefully, slowing down gradually. Rock doves are more abrupt when landing.
Perching
When perching, mourning doves often puff out their feathers to appear plumper. Rock doves hold their bodies firm and slim when perching.
Movement on ground
On the ground, mourning doves walk slowly and smoothly. Rock doves strut and bob their heads more actively.
Social behavior
Mourning doves are often solitary, shy, and quiet. They may gather in small flocks. Rock doves are extremely social and gather in large, noisy flocks.
Habitat
The habitats preferred by mourning doves and rock doves also differ:
Mourning doves
- Open woods
- Forest edges
- Fields
- Backyard feeders
Rock doves
- Cliffs
- Caves
- Human structures like barns, bridges, overpasses
- Urban and suburban areas
Diet
Mourning doves and rock doves have somewhat different dietary habits:
Mourning doves
Mourning doves are exclusively seed eaters. They prefer small seeds from grasses, weeds, and grains. They swallow seeds whole and digest them in their gizzard.
Rock doves
Rock doves are more omnivorous and opportunistic in their eating habits. Their diet can include:
- Seeds
- Grains
- Berries
- Fruit
- Insects
- Earthworms
- Snails
- Human food scraps
Nesting and Reproduction
Mourning doves and rock doves build different types of nests and have differing reproductive behavior:
Nests
| Mourning Dove | Flimsy platform nest of twigs, stems, and grasses. Typically placed in trees or shrubs. |
|---|---|
| Rock Dove | Substantial nest of sticks, grasses, feathers, moss on rock ledges, crevices, or manmade structures. |
Eggs
| Mourning Dove | Lays two white eggs per clutch. |
|---|---|
| Rock Dove | Lays one or two white eggs per clutch. |
Incubation
| Mourning Dove | Incubation by both parents for 14-15 days. |
|---|---|
| Rock Dove | Incubation by both parents for 17-19 days. |
Fledging
| Mourning Dove | Young fledge in about 15 days. |
|---|---|
| Rock Dove | Young fledge in 4-5 weeks. |
Number of broods
| Mourning Dove | Produces up to 6 broods per year. |
|---|---|
| Rock Dove | Produces up to 8 broods per year. |
Population and Conservation Status
Mourning dove and rock dove populations differ in their abundance and conservation status:
Population
| Mourning Dove | Extremely abundant. Estimated 475 million in North America. |
|---|---|
| Rock Dove | Also extremely abundant worldwide, partly due to introduction by humans. |
Conservation status
| Mourning Dove | Least Concern |
|---|---|
| Rock Dove | Least Concern |
Taxonomy
Although they may look somewhat similar, mourning doves and rock doves belong to different genuses:
Mourning Dove
- Scientific name: Zenaida macroura
- Genus: Zenaida
Rock Dove
- Scientific name: Columba livia
- Genus: Columba
Conclusion
In summary, while mourning doves and rock doves share some superficial similarities, they differ significantly in terms of:
- Size and proportions
- Color patterns
- Behavior and nature
- Habitat preferences
- Diet
- Nesting habits
- Taxonomy and classification
So in conclusion, no – mourning doves and rock doves are not the same species. They are distinct members of the dove and pigeon family with notable differences in appearance, ecology, and taxonomy.
