Are There Mourning Doves in Tennessee?

Where in Tennessee the mourning dove is found

Mourning doves live throughout Tennessee, from the Great Smoky Mountains in the east to the Mississippi River bluffs in the west. They are found along the Tennessee River corridor, which cuts through the middle of the state, and throughout the Cumberland River system. These birds occupy areas around Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, and Chattanooga. Mourning doves thrive in Tennessee's piedmont regions and along the state's open grasslands and farmland. Reelfoot Lake in northwest Tennessee hosts significant populations, especially during migration periods. Percy Priest Reservoir near Nashville provides excellent mourning dove habitat. The entire state, from the low elevation Mississippi floodplain to the higher Appalachian regions, supports healthy populations. You will find these birds inTennessee's diverse wildlife habitats, ranging from suburban parks to wild river valleys. Seethe Mourning Dove guide for Tennesseefor more.

Season and timing in Tennessee

Mourning doves in Tennessee are present throughout the year, though populations fluctuate seasonally. Breeding season runs from April through September, when males are most vocal and visible. Spring brings returning northern migrants, increasing mourning dove activity in May and June. Summer populations remain high throughout Tennessee. Fall migration brings another surge in activity from August through October. Winter populations decline but never disappear entirely. Even in January and February, you can find mourning doves across the state, especially in milder areas of Middle and West Tennessee. Early morning is the best time to hear their soft cooing calls, particularly during April through July. VisitTennessee wildlife areasin spring to see the most mourning doves and hear their breeding season vocalizations. Seethe Tennessee wildlife guidefor more.

How to identify a mourning dove

Mourning doves are slender, polished birds about 12 inches long with a small round head and a long tapered tail. Their plumage is soft gray-brown, darker on the wings and lighter on the breast and underparts. The most distinctive feature is the subtle iridescent patch on the side of the neck, which shimmers blue and purple in males more than females. Both sexes show black spots on the wings and white tips on the tail feathers. The eye is small and dark with a slight red or orange ring. Males have a more deeply colored neck and breast than females. The soft, mournful cooing call is unmistakable, a three-part sound resembling 'coo-coo-coo' that gives the species its name. In flight, the wings produce a distinctive whistling sound. Compared to Inca Doves and White-winged Doves, mourning doves are noticeably larger and more slender.

Where sightings concentrate in Tennessee

In Tennessee, mourning doves concentrate in open and semi-open habitats throughout the state. They favor agricultural areas, grasslands, open fields, and pastures. Utility wires and telephone poles are favorite perching spots where they rest and vocalize. Suburban yards with scattered trees and shrubs attract mourning doves regularly. Urban parks and cemeteries in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga support good populations. Riparian corridors along the Tennessee River and Cumberland River host numerous mourning doves. Reelfoot Lake and Percy Priest Reservoir margins provide excellent sighting locations. Early morning visits toany wildlife areawith open spaces yield the best results. They avoid dense forest interiors, preferring edges and clearings. Farmland throughout Middle Tennessee and the central basin region concentrates these birds year-round.

Typical behavior of mourning doves

Mourning doves are gentle, peaceful birds that spend much time on the ground foraging for seeds. They eat grass seeds, ragweed seeds, sunflower seeds, and various grain seeds left in agricultural areas. These birds readily visit bird feeders stocked with millet or sunflower seeds. Mourning doves form lasting pair bonds, with some pairs remaining together year-round and others reforming each breeding season. Males display to females by bowing and cooing softly. Both parents share incubation duties and care for chicks, usually raising two or three broods per year. Mourning doves are swift and agile fliers despite their gentle demeanor, capable of rapid directional changes. They often travel in pairs or small flocks, calling to each other with soft coos. These birds are not aggressive and typically avoid conflict with other species. Their presence is calming and their soft cooing is pleasant to hear.

Coexistence and safety notes

Mourning doves are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and cannot be harmed or kept in captivity without special federal permits. In Tennessee, hunting is allowed during designated seasons with proper licensing. The birds are completely harmless to humans and pose no threat to people or pets. Mourning doves do not carry diseases transmissible to humans. If a mourning dove nests near your home, allow it to proceed undisturbed. Nests are simple stick platforms placed on ledges, eaves, utility brackets, or tree branches. Observe nesting birds from a distance to avoid abandonment. Window collisions pose a threat to mourning doves in urban areas. Use decals or screens to reduce strikes. Maintain clear sightlines around feeders so birds can watch for predators. Natural predators include hawks and cats. Keep feeding stations clean to prevent disease.

Common species people confuse with mourning doves

The Eurasian Collared-Dove resembles mourning doves but is larger, paler, and has a bold black collar marking on the back of its neck. This species is expanding northward through the Southeast and may eventually reach Tennessee regularly. The White-winged Dove, found primarily in the southwestern United States, has prominent white patches on its wings and is less common in Tennessee. The Inca Dove is much smaller than the mourning dove, has a scaly appearance, and prefers the southwestern states. The Rock Pigeon is much larger and stockier than a mourning dove with varied plumage colors. The Common Ground-Dove is smaller and has a different body shape. With experience, mourning doves are easily distinguished from all these species. Their refined, slender silhouette is unique among Tennessee doves. Hearing their distinctive mournful call makes identification certain.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Are mourning doves found year-round in Tennessee? A: Yes, mourning doves are permanent residents throughout Tennessee. Populations increase during spring and fall migrations, but some birds remain all winter.

Q: Can I hunt mourning doves in Tennessee? A: Yes, hunting is permitted during designated seasons. You must have a valid hunting license and follow current Tennessee hunting regulations.

Q: What sounds do mourning doves make? A: The main vocalization is a soft, mournful three-part cooing call that sounds like 'coo-coo-coo'. They also make quieter chirps and calls when with mates or young.

Q: How do I attract mourning doves to my yard? A: Provide sunflower seeds or millet in bird feeders. Mourning doves prefer open areas with nearby perches and clear sightlines for predator watching.