The
mourning dove (
Zenaida macroura) is a member of the
dove family, (
Columbidae). The bird is also called the
turtle dove or the
American mourning dove or
rain dove, and used to be known as the
Carolina pigeon or
Carolina turtledove. It is one of the most abundant and widespread of all North American birds. It is also the leading gamebird, with more than 20 million birds (up to 70 million in some years) shot annually in the U.S., both for sport and for meat. Its ability to sustain its population under such pressure stems from its prolific breeding: in warm areas, one pair may raise up to six
broods a year. The wings can make an unusual whistling sound upon take-off and landing, a form of
sonation. The bird is a strong
flier, capable of speeds up to .