What Is the Meaning of a Mourning Dove?

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All about the spiritual and symbolic significance of these beautiful birds

Co-authored by Annabelle Reyes Reviewed by Michelle Arbeau

Last Updated: December 16, 2024 Fact Checked

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Symbolism & Spiritual Meanings

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Seeing a Mourning Dove

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Mourning Dove FAQs

If you’ve ever heard the cooing of a mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) before, you may have wondered if these birds carry any special spiritual or symbolic meanings. You’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a complete guide on the meaning of mourning doves (spoiler alert, they represent a lot more than mourning and loss). Keep reading for everything you need to know!

What do mourning doves mean?

Mourning doves carry many symbolic meanings, including peace, hope, new beginnings, and forgiveness. They can also represent remembrance for a loved one who has passed away, or messages of protection and guidance from the spiritual realm.

Section 1 of 3:

Mourning Dove Symbolism & Spiritual Meanings

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Remembrance for departed loved ones As their name would suggest, mourning doves are often associated with grief or loss. They were given this name due to their distinctive call, which is a soft, sad-sounding coo, almost like an owl’s hoot.^{[1]
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Research source} Doves are also released at many funerals to symbolize “letting go” of the loved one who has passed, so their soul can move on and be at peace.^{[2]
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Hope & peace In the biblical story of Noah's ark, Noah sends a dove out after the flood to see if the waters have receded. The bird later returns carrying an olive branch in its beak, signaling that it has found dry land.^{[3]
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Research source} The dove’s return represents optimism and safety after a period of destruction and uncertainty, so the bird itself came to symbolize hope and peace.^{[4]
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- Olive branches also became symbols of peace in the aftermath of this story.^{[5]
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Forgiveness This symbolism likely also comes from the biblical story of the flood. According to the Book of Genesis, God was displeased with the world, so he sent flood waters to destroy everything and start over. When the dove returned to Noah with proof that the flood waters had receded, it symbolized the end of God’s anger and his reconciliation with mankind.^{[6]
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Research source} As a result, doves are often associated with forgiveness and mercy.
- The olive branch is included in this symbolism as well. When someone decides to end an argument they’re having with someone, they’ll often say they’re “extending an olive branch” to them.^{[7]
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The Holy Spirit In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit manifests in the form of a dove when Jesus is being baptized in the Jordan river by John the Baptist.^{[8]
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Research source} Because of this, doves became symbols of the Holy Spirit, and they often appeared in artistic depictions of the Trinity.^{[9]
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Messages from angels or other spiritual guides Many people believe that doves carry messages from guardian angels, spiritual guides, or even God. This may stem from the association between doves and the Holy Spirit in Christianity, but the symbolism also exists outside of a Christian context. In some Native American cultures, for example, doves are considered to be sacred messengers between humans and the spiritual world.^{[10]
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- Doves are usually considered positive omens, so they’re thought to carry messages of reassurance, comfort, validation.^{[11]
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Love & fidelity Doves are known for being monogamous and sticking with their mates throughout several breeding seasons, and once they mate, they tend to be very affectionate and cuddly with each other.^{[12]
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Research source} They're also associated with the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, who is often depicted surrounded by doves in artwork.^{[13]
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Research source} Because of all of this, mourning doves often symbolize love, romance, and faithfulness.
- Even though their distinctive calls sound mournful, they're actually not an expression of sadness. They're produced by male birds who are trying to attract a partner to mate with.

Section 2 of 3:

What does it mean if you see a mourning dove?

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You’re about to experience a new beginning. Because doves symbolize renewal and hope after a period of darkness, if you encounter one in your daily life, it could be a sign that a fresh start is coming.^{[14]
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Research source} Maybe you’ve been going through a tough time and looking for some kind of reassurance that things will work out. A mourning dove could definitely be this positive omen!
- What to do: Do your best to hang in there and prepare yourself for any positive change that may be coming in.
- This might mean letting go of things that are holding you back, like unhealthy habits or attachment to relationships that are no longer serving.
- Trying out new things can also help welcome this rejuvenating energy into your life. Taking up a new hobby, signing up for a new club or class, or setting some new goals are all great options!
EXPERT TIP

Roger J. Lederer, PhD
Ornithologist
Dr. Roger Lederer is an Ornithologist and the founder of Ornithology.com, an informative website about wild birds. Dr. Lederer has spent over 40 years teaching, studying, and writing about birds. He has traveled to over 100 countries to study birds. Dr. Lederer is an Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences at California State University, Chico, and has been a Department Chair of Biological Sciences and Dean of the College of Natural Sciences. He has written more than 30 research papers and 10 books on birds and a textbook entitled “Ecology and Field Biology.” Dr. Lederer has consulted the BBC, National Geographic, National Public Radio, ABC News, the Guinness Book of World Records, and numerous other organizations and publications.

Roger J. Lederer, PhD
Ornithologist

Look closely at the bird's features to determine if it's a mourning dove. Mourning doves have long pointed tails, black spots on their wings, and an iridescent pink-and-blue flash on their necks. A ring of vivid blue skin encircles their large, dark eyes as well.
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It’s time to seek inner peace. Mourning doves are some of the most recognizable symbols of peace out there, so if you see one or hear its call, it could be an encouragement from the universe to cultivate inner peace.^{[15]
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Research source} This is especially likely if you’ve been struggling with anxiety, stress, or hectic circumstances in your life lately.
- What to do: Practicing mindfulness is a great way to bring a more peaceful energy to your life. Mindfulness is all about staying present and living in the moment, and it includes techniques like meditation and yoga.
- Mindfulness can reduce stress levels, calm anxiety, fight depression, and improve sleep quality, so it’s a really powerful tool to help you feel more centered and peaceful in your life.^{[16]
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  Greater Good Magazine
  Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living
  
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It’s a sign of spiritual protection or guidance. Many people believe that mourning doves carry comforting messages from the spiritual realm.^{[17]
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Research source} If you’ve been dealing with uncertainty or stress lately, the appearance of a mourning dove could be a sign from a guardian angel or other spiritual guide letting you know that their protection and guidance is with you, so you have no need to worry.
- What to do: Focus on developing your intuition, so you can tap into these spiritual messages and interpret them. The universe may be trying to communicate with you through symbolism and synchronicities, and honing your intuition will help you recognize these things.
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It’s a message of comfort in times of grief. If you’ve recently lost someone important to you, a mourning dove encounter could be a sign of comfort and reassurance from this person. They may be trying to let you know that they are at peace or that they're watching over you.^{[18]
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- What to do: Treat yourself with kindness and prioritize self-care as you work through your grief. It takes time to heal after losing a loved one, and it’s important to be patient with yourself!^{[19]
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It could be a positive sign for your relationship. If you see two mourning doves at the same time, this could indicate that your partnership with someone is really deepening.^{[20]
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Research source} Since doves are known for being monogamous and carry symbolic connections to Aphrodite, love could definitely be in the air when you spot a pair of them!
- What to to: Work on building your connection with your crush or significant other, and get ready to take things to the next level.
- For example, if you're just friends, they might ask you out soon, or if you're just seeing each other casually, they could ask you to be exclusive.

Section 3 of 3:

Mourning Dove FAQs

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What does a mourning dove feather mean? Feathers from mourning doves carry the same symbolic significance of the birds themselves. They represent peace, hope, new beginnings, and connection to the divine. Some people also believe that these feathers are tangible, physical representations of messages from the spiritual realm.^{[21]
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- Dove feathers were also considered symbols of protection in some Native American cultures, and they were often carried as talismans to ensure safe return from battle.^{[22]
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What does a mourning dove tattoo mean? A mourning dove tattoo can have different meanings depending on your own beliefs and intentions. For example, if you want to honor a lost loved one, your tattoo could represent remembrance for them. Or, if you’re getting your tattoo to commemorate a new beginning, it could symbolize hope and renewal. It could also be a religious tattoo to represent God’s peace or the Holy Spirit. It’s entirely up to you!^{[23]
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Are mourning doves good luck? Yes, mourning doves (and doves in general) are usually considered to be positive omens and symbols of good luck. They have several positive interpretations, including hope, peace, love, renewal, harmony, spiritual protection, and fresh starts.^{[24]
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Is it “morning” dove or “mourning” dove? The correct name is “mourning dove,” and it comes from the sad, mournful sound of the dove’s call.^{[25]
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Research source} Some people also believe that the name is a reference to the fact that some doves mate for life, and they may mourn their mates if they pass away.^{[26]
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Are mourning doves white or grey? Mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) have primarily brownish-grey bodies, but they do have some white-tipped outer feathers on their tails.^{[27]
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National Audubon Society
Nonprofit environmental organization focused on conservation, citizen science, and public science education

Go to source} Mourning doves are different from the all-white birds that you may see released at weddings—these are actually white homing pigeons that have been bred for their color and are trained to safely return home after the release.^{[28]
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What does the dove emoji (🕊️) mean? The dove emoji, which also features a branch in the dove’s beak, is often used to symbolize peace. It also resonates with many Christian and Jewish users due to the dove’s connection to the Old Testament story of Noah’s ark.^{[29]
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- It can also be used outside of a religious context to express appreciation for nature in general.^{[30]
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