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Trauertaube
(Trowertowbeh) Mourning Dove

Trauertaube:
The German noun Trauer (feminine, no plural form) means grief, sorrow or mourning and refers to the emotional reaction to a loss, particularly the death of a loved one.
Taube; German. "dove".

On 02 April 2026 we decided to create a web-site that would provide information on one of the most misunderstood and mis-represented little birds that is so common to so many regions of the North American continent. In order to support this endeavour, we also decided to support it not by simply asking for "donations" but to offer readers the opportunity to support and receive from it.

To that end, we not only have pages of facts as based on documentation from those who have studied Mourning Doves in controlled environments and in the wild as well as a small "gift shop" where supporters can shop for themselves and for others, all the while, supporting a "niche".Think of it as the "Gift Shop" you might find when visisting a museum. Please, when you have a moment, visit our "Etsy" shop/companion site

to browse our offers and know that your assistance supports our on-going research and efforts and that it's very deeply and sincerely appreciated... not only by contributors to this site but to Mourning Doves every-where.

Our "Mission":
To bring to the attention of more people, the delicate balance of Nature, in general, a deeper understanding of a being generally considered "common", a better appreciation of one facet of an inctricate web of "life" through a more intricate source of information, sometimes other-wise, not readily available based on direct and personal long-term experiance as well as information gathered from a vareity of sources and resources in print and on the internet. To dispel misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding the Mourning Dove and to assist, when necesary, with aid to Mourning Doves when they are discovered injured and avaian veterinarians and/or "rehabbers" are not readily or easily available.

With the understanding that Mourning Doves are protected by the "The Migratory Bird Treaty Act" (MBTA)*, it has been discovered by many that, too often, veterinarians and/or "rehabbers" are great distances from where a dove in need of attention is discovered. In no manner or fashion does this site or its contrinutors espouse viloation of ANY aspect of the MBTA, how-ever, when time is limited and immediate attention could eliminate suffering and provide recovery,avoid euthanasia, the prupose of this site is to provide "first response" information and guidance.

Of note: In spite of the alleged "protection" of Mourning Doves, they remain the most-hunted species, not disimilar to the now-extinct "Passenger Pigeon" (see: https://www.extinctanimals.org/passenger-pigeon.htm). This web-site is presetnted with the deepest and most sincere hope that it will help to further and better protect our precious, beautiful and little-understoon Mourning Dove and avoid their extinciton due, in great part, to ignornance.

The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is a member of the dove family, Columbidae. The bird is also known as the American mourning dove, the rain dove, the chueybird, and colloquially as the turtle dove, and it was once known as the Carolina pigeon and Carolina turtledove. It is one of the most abundant and widespread North American birds and a popular gamebird, with more than 20 million birds (up to 70 million in some years) shot annually in the U.S., both for sport and meat. Its ability to sustain its population under such pressure is due to its prolific breeding; in warm areas, one pair may raise up to six broods of two young each in a single year. However, the average life-span is 18 months. The wings make an unusual whistling sound upon take-off and landing, a form of sonation. The bird is a strong flier, capable of speeds up to 88 km/h (55 mph).

* The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) is a federal law enacted in 1918 that implements four international treaties with Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia to protect over 1,000 native migratory bird species in the United States. It makes it unlawful to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, possess, sell, purchase, barter, import, export, or transport any protected bird, or any of their parts, nests, or eggs, unless authorized by a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

The law was created to combat overhunting and unregulated trade in bird feathers that threatened species with extinction, and it applies to both live and dead birds as well as their feathers, eggs, and nests. While the MBTA generally prohibits all "take" activities, the Department of the Interior has issued opinions (such as the 2017 M-Opinion) limiting liability for unintentional incidental take, though this remains a subject of regulatory debate and enforcement variation.

Key aspects of the MBTA include:
Legal Basis: It codifies treaties signed in 1916 (Canada), 1936 (Mexico), 1972 (Japan), and 1976 (Russia).
Protected Species: It covers nearly all native North American bird species, excluding only a few non-migratory or non-native species.
Enforcement: Violations can result in penalties, and the USFWS is responsible for issuing permits and prosecuting illegal activities.
Exceptions: Specific regulations allow for certain activities like traditional subsistence hunting (under the Canadian treaty amendment) and eagle feather possession under the Eagle Feather Law.