MOURNING DOVE Meaning and
Definition
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The mourning dove, scientifically known as Zenaida macroura, is a medium-sized bird species belonging to the dove family Columbidae. This migratory bird is one of the most abundant and widely distributed species in North America.
Typically measuring around 9-13 inches (23-33 cm) in length, the mourning dove is known for its slender build, graceful flight, and distinctive mournful cooing calls. With a wingspan of approximately 17-19 inches (43-49 cm), this bird possesses long, pointed wings that enable it to navigate skillfully through the air. Immature mourning doves usually have a paler coloring and lack the iridescence present in adult plumage.
The mourning dove is characterized by its soft, graceful appearance, with greyish-brown feathers covering its body. It exhibits a buff-colored breast, a slightly greyish head, and hints of bluish highlights on its wings and tail. Its eyes are encircled by a distinctive ring of blue skin. Known for its calm and gentle nature, this bird's small beak is adapted for consuming seeds and grains, which form the majority of its diet.
The mourning dove is renowned for its melodic cooing calls, especially during the breeding season when males use their distinctive vocalizations as a means of attracting mates. They typically build flimsy nests in trees, shrubs, or even on the ground, using twigs, grass, and stems. A typical clutch consists of two creamy white eggs, which hatch after approximately two weeks of incubation.
Overall, the mourning dove is an iconic bird of North America, valued for its peaceful demeanor, elegant appearance, and soulful cooing, which contribute to its enduring popularity.
Common Misspellings for MOURNING DOVE
- nourning dove
- kourning dove
- journing dove
- miurning dove
- mkurning dove
- mlurning dove
- mpurning dove
- m0urning dove
- m9urning dove
- moyrning dove
- mohrning dove
- mojrning dove
- moirning dove
- mo8rning dove
- mo7rning dove
- mouening dove
- moudning dove
- moufning dove
- moutning dove
Etymology of MOURNING DOVE
The word "mourning dove" is a compound word, derived from two separate origins:
1. "Mourning": The term "mourning" comes from the Old English word "murnan", meaning "to mourn" or "to grieve". It refers to the expression of sorrow or mourning over the loss of something or someone. In the context of the mourning dove, the word "mourning" conveys the mournful cooing sound that the bird makes, which is often associated with sorrow or grief.
2. "Dove": The word "dove" can be traced back to the Old English word "dūfe", which originally referred to any smaller pigeon-like bird. It has Germanic and Proto-Indo-European roots and is related to other similar words in various Germanic languages.
Similar spelling words for MOURNING DOVE
- morning prayer,
- MORNINGSTAR,
- morning glory,
- morning sickness,
- mourning band,
- mourning ring,
- morning room,
- morning coat,
- mourning cloak,
- Morning Star,
- morning dress,
- morning time.
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