Texas birds breed virtually year-round, with a peak season from March through September. The mourning dove ranges from Canada to Panama and continues to expand northward, although the northern population is at least partially migratory. It inhabits farmyards, cultivated fields, prairies, open woodlands, deserts and suburban parks and yards. The trim-bodied mourning dove has a small, round head and slender neck with blue rings around the eyes. Its long, pointed tail is edged with white and the overall plumage is a soft brown.
Adults have black spots on the upper wings.
There are nearly 300 species of doves and pigeons in the world. 12 species have been documented in Texas. The mourning dove and the white-winged dove are the most common species. Only doves, pigeons, penguins and flamingos produce crop milk. To drink, doves suck up water in their bills without raising their heads.