Doves are a familiar sight, recognized for their gentle cooing and graceful flight. Their winter habits vary significantly by species and geographic location. Some dove populations migrate, while others remain in their breeding territories year-round.
Dove Species and Their Migration Habits
Many dove species have distinct migratory patterns. In North America, the Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is widespread, exhibiting “partial migration.” Northern populations, particularly from Canada and the northern United States, typically migrate south for winter, sometimes traveling thousands of miles. These movements usually occur during the day, in flocks. However, Mourning Doves in the central and southern U.S. often remain in their breeding areas or undertake short-distance movements.
The White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) also shows varying migratory behaviors. Populations in the southwestern U.S. generally move south for winter, with some reaching Central America. Many White-winged Doves in the southern U.S. are resident year-round. The Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto), an introduced species, is largely non-migratory throughout its range. While young birds may disperse over long distances, regular seasonal migration is not typical for this species.
Why Doves Migrate or Stay
A dove’s decision to migrate or remain resident is primarily driven by environmental and biological factors, with food availability being a major influence. As winter approaches, declining temperatures in northern regions often lead to a scarcity of seeds and other food sources that doves rely on. Migration to warmer climates ensures access to consistent food supplies, which is essential for survival.
Migration is an energy-intensive process, requiring significant physiological preparation, such as accumulating fat reserves. Doves only undertake these journeys if the benefits of warmer temperatures and abundant food outweigh the energy costs and risks associated with long-distance travel. Local conditions, including the severity of winter and the availability of human-provided food sources like bird feeders, can also influence whether individual doves choose to migrate or stay. Changes in day length act as a cue, triggering hormonal changes that prepare birds for migration.
How Resident Doves Survive Winter
Doves that remain in colder climates employ several strategies to cope with reduced food availability and low temperatures. Their diet shifts to whatever is accessible, including seeds from cultivated grains, grasses, and weeds. They are ground feeders, often foraging in agricultural fields, grasslands, and backyards, and will readily visit bird feeders for seeds like millet, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds.
To endure cold temperatures, doves have natural adaptations. Their feathers provide insulation by trapping layers of air close to their bodies, and they can fluff their feathers to increase this insulating layer. Doves also conserve energy by limiting movement on extremely cold days and seeking shelter from wind and snow in dense trees, bushes, or evergreens. Communal roosting allows them to share body heat and collectively stay warmer. Prior to winter, doves undergo a seasonal molt, replacing older feathers with denser ones that provide improved protection against the cold.