Photo: Mark Buckler (Enlarge photo)
Scientific Name: Zenaida macroura Classification: Game Species Abundance: Common throughout state
Species Profile (PDF)
Mourning dove and chicks on a nest (Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
Wildlife Science: Mourning Dove Banding (YouTube Video)
In the early mornings of late January and early February, mourning doves in North Carolina begin cooing and making their circling courtship flights. Mourning doves, often seen migrating in large flocks, begin to break up and form pairs. Named for their long tails and melancholy bird call, mourning doves have been classified as a game bird by the federal government and 39 states, including North Carolina.
The mourning dove has a thin, delicate-looking bill, a neat head, and a long, graduated tail bordered with large white spots. The colors of the female are duller than the gray-brown adult males. At close range, adult males can be distinguished by purple-pink iridescent feathers on the neck and light pink on the breast. The upper part of the throat is whitish. Legs and feet are dull red or purplish red.
Learn more by reading the Mourning Dove species profile.
Includes mourning and white-winged dove
Seasons/Limits
Extended Falconry Seasons
Migratory Game Birds Regulations
Additional Info (including public hunting opportunities and various reports)
Baiting Laws When Hunting Agriculture Areas
Dove Hunting in North Carolina (summary of regulations and safety tips) (PDF)
Interactive Game Land Map with Dove Fields
Permit Hunts Information
2011-12 Survey of Dove Hunters in North Carolina (PDF- 1.02 MB)
Mourning Dove National Harvest Plan (PDF - 1.20MB)
2017-2021 Dove Hunting and Harvest Estimate Maps (PDF)
1949-2021 Dove Hunting Harvest and Hunter Trends (PDF)
Please report all bands online at www.reportband.gov
Please be aware that starting July, 2017, the toll-free telephone number that had previously been available to report bird bands is being discontinued. This discontinuation is collectively due to past problems with accurate data recording, high rates of dropped calls and budget cuts. People calling this toll-free number will be directed to report their bird bands using the REPORTBAND website or by mail. We rely heavily on your cooperation in reporting banded birds to help in their management, and we would like to thank you for your continued support in this effort.
Mourning Dove species profile (PDF)
Dove Hunting in North Carolina (PDF)
Priority Information Needs for Mourning Doves (PDF - 2.88MB)
Webless Migratory Game Bird Information – doves, woodcock, snipe and rails
Sandy Mush Game Land Birding Check List (PDF)
Green River Game Land Birding Check List (PDF)