The mourning collared dove is a largish, stocky pigeon, up to 31 cm in length.

When flying, it shows blackish flight feathers and extensive white in the tail, the latter being a distinction from the similar but larger red-eyed dove.

Sexes are similar, but immatures are duller than adults, and have scalloping on the body feathers.

The mourning collared dove's flight is quick, with the regular beats and an occasional sharp flick of the wings which are characteristic of pigeons in general.

Mourning collared doves eat grass seeds, grains and other vegetation.