Doves are often perceived as symbols of lasting commitment, a belief stemming from observations of their close interactions and devoted partnerships. Understanding whether doves truly “mate for life” requires examining the science behind their pair bonds.
Understanding Dove Monogamy
Many dove species exhibit social monogamy, forming exclusive pair bonds for at least one breeding season, often extending for multiple seasons or their entire reproductive lives if conditions allow. While a strong loyalty exists, the term “mate for life” is nuanced and not an absolute rule for every individual or species.
Mourning Doves, for instance, typically establish strong bonds for a single breeding season. Due to their shorter average lifespan, they may not re-pair with the same individual in subsequent years, often seeking new mates if their original partner dies. In contrast, longer-lived species like Rock Pigeons and Eurasian Collared-Doves often maintain their pair bonds for several breeding seasons or until one partner passes away.
Dynamics of Dove Pair Bonds
Doves actively reinforce their pair bonds through various observable behaviors. These include mutual preening, where individuals gently groom each other’s feathers, and soft cooing sounds that become more frequent between bonded partners. Before a bond forms, males perform courtship displays, which can involve cooing songs, aerial maneuvers, tail-fanning, bowing, and neck-puffing to attract a female.
Once paired, both doves share extensive parental responsibilities. The male typically gathers nesting materials like twigs, which the female then arranges to construct a shallow nest. Both sexes take turns incubating the eggs and feeding their hatchlings, known as squabs, with “crop milk.” This unique secretion is produced in the crops of both parents. If a partner is lost, the surviving dove will typically find a new mate to continue reproductive efforts.
Why Doves Maintain Strong Bonds
Strong pair bonds offer doves several advantages, enhancing their reproductive success. Shared parental care ensures offspring receive consistent feeding and protection, which increases their chances of survival. The cooperative efforts of both parents are necessary for successfully raising young.
A stable partnership allows for an efficient division of labor; for example, one parent can incubate eggs while the other forages for food, ensuring a steady supply for young. This consistent pairing also eliminates the time and energy expenditure involved in finding and courting a new mate each breeding season. Bonded pairs can often begin breeding earlier and more efficiently, leading to a greater number of successful broods over their lifetime. Strong pair bonds also contribute to the effective defense of their territory and nest from predators and rival doves. While the direct link between strong bonds and higher quality offspring is not always clear, these bonds do facilitate coordination and adaptability to changing environmental conditions.