Doves are a familiar sight, recognized by their gentle cooing and graceful presence. These widespread birds adapt well to various environments, making their nesting habits a common point of interest.
Do Doves Reuse Nest Sites?
Doves generally do not reuse the exact physical nest structure from one breeding attempt to the next, largely due to the fragile nature of their construction. Their nests are typically flimsy platforms of twigs, pine needles, and grass stems, which often do not withstand the elements or the activity of raising young. However, doves, especially Mourning Doves, frequently exhibit strong site fidelity, returning to the same general area, tree, or shrub for subsequent nesting attempts. This behavior is common if the previous nesting attempt was successful. Rather than refurbishing an old nest, they are more inclined to build a new one nearby or even utilize an abandoned nest from another bird species, modifying it to suit their needs.
While the original twig platform may disintegrate, doves prefer a proven spot, often constructing a new, equally simple nest in the same vicinity. This strategy conserves energy and time. Factors like protection from predators, favorable weather conditions, and proximity to food and water sources contribute to a location being deemed successful.
Factors Guiding Nest Site Choice
Doves are selective when choosing a nesting location, prioritizing factors that increase successful breeding. Protection from predators is a primary consideration, leading them to select sites offering concealment. This often includes dense foliage within trees or shrubs, which can obscure the nest from view. Some doves may also nest on man-made structures like gutters or eaves, demonstrating their adaptability to human environments.
Proximity to essential resources, such as food and water, also guides their choice. Doves primarily feed on seeds, foraging on the ground, so a nest site near abundant seed sources is advantageous. Easy access to water is important, as doves drink by sucking water, unlike many birds that scoop and tilt their heads. Doves also return to locations where they have successfully raised young, a behavior known as “win-stay, lose-switch.” This indicates that previous reproductive success strongly influences their future nesting decisions, reinforcing their site fidelity.
The Dove Nesting Cycle
Doves have a prolonged breeding season, often extending from early spring through late summer, with some regions seeing nesting activity from February to October. This extended period allows them to raise multiple broods, typically two to three, but sometimes as many as five or six clutches in a single year. Each clutch usually consists of two small, white eggs. Both parents share incubation duties, with eggs hatching after approximately 14 days.
The nest is a loosely built platform, typically constructed from pine needles, twigs, and grass stems, with minimal insulation. The male dove usually gathers the materials, passing them to the female who arranges them into the rudimentary structure over two to four days. The simple design of these nests contributes to their fragility, explaining why they are rarely reused for subsequent clutches. Despite their flimsy appearance, these nests effectively serve their purpose for the short 12 to 15-day nestling period before the young fledge.