The mournful cooing of the Mourning Dove is one of our most familiar bird sounds, and it can be heard often during peaceful moments in movies. Mourning Doves are named for the mournful sound of their owl-like cooing. They’re plump-bodied songbirds with small heads and long tails, dressed in shades of soft brown and grey. On the ground, Mourning Doves often look plump and dainty, walking with mincing steps and bobbing their heads as they look for food. But in flight, they are entirely different birds. Remarkably swift and agile, Mourning Doves fly straight and fast on whistling wings.