As in many other pigeons and doves, the Mourning Dove's main call, or “perch coo” (coo-oo, OO, OO, OO) is an advertising call, sung in order to attract a mate. Unmated males often establish perches within their territory from which they repeatedly sing.

What does a mourning dove call mean?

These distinctive mourning dove sounds are—wait for it—a wooing call, an enticement to a mate or potential mate. Many passionate backyard birders find the soft, distinctive cooing of this dove to be calming and utterly peaceful.

Why do mourning doves make noise?

When a Mourning Dove takes off or lands, it flaps its wings quickly. The air rushing through these special feathers makes them vibrate and create sound (kind of like a kazoo). The noise is called a wing whistle, and it's part of the Mourning Dove's natural alarm system.