how to tell male and female mourning doves apart

2 min read 24-01-2025

how to tell male and female mourning doves apart

Mourning doves are a common sight across North America, known for their gentle cooing and sleek gray feathers. But did you know that telling the difference between a male and a female mourning dove isn't as straightforward as you might think? Both sexes look almost identical at a glance. However, with a keen eye and a little patience, you can learn to distinguish them. This guide will walk you through the subtle clues that reveal their sex.

Visual Differences: Subtle Clues to Sex

Unlike some bird species with striking sexual dimorphism (obvious physical differences between sexes), male and female mourning doves show only subtle variations. These differences are often difficult to spot, even for experienced birdwatchers. Let's look at the key visual indicators:

Plumage Coloration: A Near-Match

The most significant, albeit slight, difference lies in their plumage. Both male and female mourning doves exhibit a similar bluish-gray plumage on their bodies. They share the same characteristic black spots on their wings.

Male: Some observers report males having slightly richer, deeper gray tones, but this is very subtle and unreliable.
Female: Females may show slightly paler, duller gray tones. Again, this is very subtle and inconsistent.

Size and Weight: An Inconsistent Indicator

Another often-cited difference is size and weight, with males supposedly being slightly larger. However, this difference is also inconsistent and not reliable for identification. Individual variation within the same sex is significant enough to render this method inaccurate. There’s simply too much overlap in size between the sexes.

Behavioral Differences: More Reliable Than Appearance

While visual identification of mourning dove gender is challenging, behavioral observation offers some more reliable clues.

Courtship Displays: Observing Male Behavior

Males are the more active participants in courtship displays. These displays are easier to observe during the breeding season (spring and summer). They may involve:

Cooing: Males are more vocal during courtship. They'll perform their famous, mournful cooing calls more frequently and intensely.
Tail Bows: Males will bow their tail low and hold it spread slightly to impress females.
Wing Stretching: During courtship, the male might perform a wing-stretching display.

Nest Building and Incubation: Less Obvious but Still Informative

While not directly a behavioral difference between the sexes, observing nesting behavior can indirectly help.

Nest Building: Although both sexes participate in building nests, the male’s contribution might be slightly more prominent.
Incubation: While both parents will incubate the eggs, the female tends to do a slightly greater share of the incubation.

Why Sexing Mourning Doves is Difficult

The lack of obvious sexual dimorphism in mourning doves has practical reasons. It reduces predation risk. Both sexes are equally camouflaged and therefore less vulnerable to predators.

Alternatives to Visual Identification: Expert Assistance

If you are struggling to determine the sex of a mourning dove, consider seeking expert assistance.

Experienced Birders: Connect with experienced birdwatchers or ornithologists in your area. They may be able to offer additional insights.
Online Forums and Communities: Post photos to online birdwatching forums. Other enthusiasts may be able to provide guidance.

Conclusion

Distinguishing male and female mourning doves requires careful observation of subtle plumage differences and behavioral cues, primarily during the breeding season. Visual identification alone is often unreliable, making behavioral observation a more fruitful approach. Remember that the characteristics are subtle and inconsistencies exist, highlighting the challenges of identifying the sex of these birds. Don’t be discouraged if you find it difficult – even experts may find it challenging at times.