Mourning doves are a familiar sight across North America, recognized by their soft cooing and graceful flight. Their widespread distribution often leads to a common question: do these ubiquitous birds undertake migratory journeys?
The Complex Nature of Mourning Dove Migration
Mourning dove migratory behavior is complex and varies significantly by geographic location. Mourning doves are categorized as “partial migrants,” meaning some populations undertake seasonal movements while others remain in their breeding grounds year-round. Birds residing in the northernmost parts of their range, such as Canada and the northern United States, are the most likely to migrate south as winter approaches. These northern populations move to escape harsh winter conditions that would limit food availability and increase survival challenges.
Conversely, mourning dove populations in the southern United States and Mexico often do not migrate, acting as year-round residents. Even within the central U.S., some doves may remain stationary while others migrate shorter distances. The severity of winter conditions in a specific region directly influences whether local mourning doves will stay or migrate.
Reasons and Routes of Their Journeys
Mourning doves migrate to find reliable food sources and avoid harsh winter temperatures. As cold weather sets in, natural food supplies like grains and seeds become scarce or inaccessible, prompting birds from northern latitudes to seek warmer regions where food is more plentiful.
Their migration routes typically follow a north-south trajectory across the continent. Birds nesting in Canada and the northern U.S. generally travel south to wintering grounds in the southern United States, Mexico, and even as far as Central America, including Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. For example, large numbers of doves that breed in the central United States and Canada spend winter in Texas, while others pass through Texas en route to Mexico and Central America. This broad migratory range covers thousands of miles for some northern populations.
Understanding Their Seasonal Movements
Mourning doves undertake their southward migration in late summer and early fall, from late August to early September. The return journey northward to their breeding grounds begins in early spring, spanning from late March to early May. This timing is influenced by changes in day length, which serves as a cue for migration, rather than immediate weather conditions.
When migrating, mourning doves often fly in flocks, typically ranging from five to 50 birds. They exhibit a relatively fast and direct flight pattern, capable of covering significant distances during their journeys. These birds are primarily diurnal migrants, meaning they travel during the day and rest overnight. Interestingly, younger birds tend to migrate first, followed by adult females, and then adult males, illustrating a differential migration pattern based on age and sex.