Birds - Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove is North America’s most widespread dove, and these birds can usually be seen in many habitats. These birds usually mate for life, and Mourning Doves can often be seen in pairs throughout the year. The dove’s mournful cooing gives the species its name. The bird’s wings also produce a fluttering whistle when it flies. The dove usually does not live near the visitor center, but a short hike down Wind Cave Canyon should result in a successful sighting. Usually the bird is heard before it is seen at Wind Cave. A hike down the canyon may reveal another dove species—the Rock Pigeon. These birds are usually observed in early April and throughout the summer.