The mourning dove is a streamlined bird with a plump four ounce body and a small head. It has a long, pointed tail with a brownish back flecked with black spots and the breast is tan to light rose. The white edged tail feathers are plainly visible when the bird spreads its tail, such as when it first takes flight. The feet and legs are light red to light purple.
The bird’s preferred habitat varies. Its diet includes a variety of weed seeds, sunflower seeds and various domestic grains. The dove breeds from late March to September and usually lays two white eggs. The dove is found statewide. There is a resident population of doves in Oklahoma but the majority of birds migrate from Canada and the northern states, through Oklahoma, down to Mexico.