Front:
MOURNING DOVE
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National Wildlife Federation
Wildlife Postcard Series
MOURNING DOVE
(Zenaidura carolinensis)
Unlike his close relative the Passenger Pigeon, the Mourning Dove is
still present in generous numbers. Slender, graceful and swift of flight,
he is noted for his so-called song which really is a long, low, mournful
call. He is aptly named, for that call surely suggests a mood of mixed
sadness and gentleness. His range covers much of North America,
wintering mainly from southern Oregon to the Carolinas. He is an
extremely useful bird feeding largely on weed seeds. He is a migratory
bird, and therefore falls under federal control. Many states have laws
prohibiting dove-shooting, but in others he is much prized as a game
bird.
NAME
Copyright 1939 National Wildlife Federation, Washington, D.C.
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