Mourning Dove, seen in Brooklyn Bridge Park on a December day. Informally known as the Turtle Dove, the Mourning Dove is one of the most abundant of North America’s birds. Scientific name: Zenaida macroura. Called ‘mourning’ because of its sad, haunting cooing, its wings make a whistling sound. Even with the symbol of sorrow and mourning, it evokes the same association as its white dove cousin: a spiritual messenger of peace, love, and faith. Photo by Heather Wolf, author of BIRDING AT THE BRIDGE. Join the Eagle family of supporters and get daily updates and features (like bird of the day).