Male and female Mourning Doves look very similar, but there are subtle differences. Both have pale gray-brown bodies, pinkish legs, and black spots on their wings and under their eyes. Males tend to be slightly larger, with a more bluish-gray crown and more iridescent purple-pink patches on the sides of their necks. Females are slightly smaller and have a more brownish overall coloration, with less pronounced iridescent neck patches.

Male Mourning Dove:
• Size: Generally larger than females.
• Crown: Blue-gray crown.
• Chest: Pinkish or rose-gray.
• Neck: Iridescent feather patches on the neck are more vivid.

Female Mourning Dove:
• Size: Slightly smaller than males.
• Crown: Grayish-brown crown.
• Chest: Brownish-tan.
• Neck: Iridescent feather patches are less pronounced or nearly absent.
• Overall Appearance: More brown and duller in coloration overall.

Similarities:
• Both sexes have pale gray-brown bodies and pink legs.
• Both have black spots on their wings and under their eyes.
• Both have a long, pointed tail with white spots along the edge.
• Both are approximately the size of a robin or crow.
• Both have a low, mournful cooing sound.

Key Differences to Note:
• Size: Males are typically larger than females.
• Crown: Males have a bluish-gray crown, while females have a more brown crown.
• Neck: Males have more vivid iridescent neck patches.
• Overall Color: Females tend to have a more brown and dull coloration overall.