Mourning Dove

Seen one? Add it to your free UK BirdedexHear its song and see the mapFree, no app download. Legendary bird: +50 points when you log it.

Habitat and behaviour

Habitat: Gardens, farmland (extreme vagrant).
Diet: Seeds.
Best time to spot: American; long pointed tail.

When to look

A rare visitor, not a resident. There is no dependable season, though most rarities are found during spring and autumn migration. More on the season in Rare birds in the UK.

How rare is it?

The Mourning Dove sits in our Legendary tier for the UK: a major rarity, where any record is big news. It is not on the Red or Amber lists in Birds of Conservation Concern 5.

Recent UK sightings

Similar birds

• Evening GrosbeakLegendary · Gardens (extreme vagrant)
• Baltimore OrioleLegendary · Trees
• Northern MockingbirdLegendary · Gardens
• Red-throated ThrushLegendary · Fields
• Varied ThrushLegendary · Woods
• Barbary PartridgeLegendary · Hills (extreme vagrant)

Kit that helps

Best bird feeders and food for UK gardens. Affiliate links, our own picks, no extra cost to you.