Doves are plump, fast-flying birds

The Mourning Dove, photo taken by Gayle Trivers

with small heads and low, cooing voices. The Mourning Dove is the only species of dove that is in the area. It is unique from most other doves because its tail is pointed, whereas most others have rounded or fanlike tails. They are also smaller and slimmer than other doves. Their call is a low, dreamy-sounding coo or hoo, usually heard in the early morning or at dusk. They are brown and grey in color and can be spotted in open woods, fields, meadows, and along roadsides.