FEATHERY FRIDAY # 7

FEATHERY FRIDAY #7

Wow! We had a great World Rhino Day yesterday! And it was also Elephant Appreciation Day! Edmond still needs to get Ellie a present. We’re glad it’s Friday, because that means it’s time to meet a bird! Today’s bird is named after the sound of its call. It sounds very sad, hopefully they’re not! Who is it?

MEET THE MOURNING DOVE!

Range/Habitat: North-Central America and Caribbean/urban areas-farms-woodlands and grasslands

Diet: Herbivore: seeds

Length/Weight: 9-13”/4-6oz

Conservation Status: Common

Fun Facts:

• Mourning doves get their names from the call they make, which sounds sad and mournful.
• These little birds are great fliers and can fly fast, up to 55 mph!
• Males glide, spiral and do other aerial acrobatics above females to attract them.
• Mourning doves’ wings make a whistling sound when they land and take off.
• Both parents take care of the eggs and chicks. They can lay up to 6 clutches in a year!

These doves may sound mournful, but they are special! They’re very common and can be easy to spot in places like your back yard! In fact we may go out and see if we can find some! How about you? Bird watching is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon!

Here’s what they sound like:  http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mourning_Dove/sounds