Dove or mockingbird?

[u/Electrical_Bug_7744]

We have both doves/pigeons and a loud and proud mockingbird in our area. I recently found this feather and thought mockingbird. I uploaded it to inaturalist and someone else suggested pigeon or dove. How can I be sure? Thank you in advance

[u/Khaniker]

Yes.. looks like mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) innermost primary right wing.

[u/Electrical_Bug_7744 → u/Khaniker]

Thank you! How can I lean more about telling the difference between primary and secondary wings? Tail feathers etc?

[u/Khaniker → u/Electrical_Bug_7744]

Of course!

Best way to tell is by the vane and rachis placement.

Primaries typically are pointed at the end, and the leading edge vane is thinner than the trailing vane. Rachis typically is also straight in primaries. Note- outer primaries sometimes curve down, such as in bald eagles and turkey vultures.

Secondaries often curve to the side, but practically never down. The leading edge vane is still thinner in size than the trailing vane, but not to the extent of primaries. 90% of the time they have rounded edges.

Rectrices (tail feathers) can be pointed (such as in woodpeckers) or rounded (most birds have rounded tails), pretty much never curve in any way apart from at the base of the rachis.

[u/Electrical_Bug_7744 → u/Khaniker]

Thank you!! So very helpful and thorough! Do you have any books you’d recommend for learning more about feather identification? I’m very new to this but find it so fun and fascinating. Thanks again!