State of the Birds

Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura The Mourning Dove is a common and widespread species in Massachusetts, often seen feeding on the ground beneath backyard feeders or quietly perched on nearby phone wires. It is nearly ubiquitous as a breeder in the Commonwealth.

Conservation Status No Action: Likely Increase

Tracking This Bird In Massachusetts

Climate Vulnerability Score

Least Vulnerable

Mass Audubon Mean likelihood of occurrence (current)

0.54

Mass Audubon Mean likelihood of occurrence (2050)

0.56

Mass Audubon Absolute change in likelihood of occurrence

0.01

U.S. Forest Service Climate Change Bird Atlas (Hadly Hi emissions scenario)^a

-0.90

National Audubon Society^b

n/a

^a USFS model data for Massachusetts by 2100

^b National Audubon Society's Climate Change Atlas was completed on a continental scale.

A comparison of Climate Models

Mass Audubon indicates least vulnerable to climate change. USFS indicates decline. Results not presented by National Audubon.

Breeding Bird Atlas

Atlas I Blocks

870

Atlas II Blocks

999

Percent of state occupied - Atlas I

90

Percent of state occupied - Atlas II

96

Percent change

105

Breeding Bird Survey

Annual trend 1966-2010

1.3%

P-value

significant, increasing

Number of routes

27

Recent trend 2000-2010

-0.2%

Christmas Bird Count

Trend (1963-2008)

1.6

Significantly different than zero

yes

Trend (1963-1979)

9.9

Significantly different than zero

yes

Trend (1979-2008)

-0

Significantly different than zero

no

Christmas Bird Count Sightings By Year

Data reflects sightings per person per hour in order to account for varying numbers of yearly volunteers.

Habitat Usage

Additional Information

Climate Suitability Current and 2050