When observing doves, many people believe these birds form lifelong pair bonds, symbolizing enduring love and fidelity. This perception often leads to questions about what happens when one partner in such a devoted pair dies. Understanding the true nature of dove relationships and their responses to loss reveals complex behaviors shaped by biological imperatives.
Monogamy in Doves
Doves exhibit social monogamy, a mating system where a male and female form a pair bond to raise young. Many dove species, including the Rock Pigeon and Eurasian Collared-Dove, maintain strong pair bonds for several nesting seasons, typically lasting until one bird dies. This partnership involves shared parental duties, with both parents participating in incubation and feeding offspring. Stable partnerships contribute to reproductive success, allowing pairs to raise multiple broods. Mourning Doves form strong pair bonds for a breeding season but may not mate with the same individual in subsequent years, influenced by their shorter average lifespan of one to two years.
Immediate Response to Loss
A dove losing its mate exhibits behavioral changes suggesting distress. The surviving bird may remain near the deceased mate, sometimes attempting to nudge or care for it. Observations indicate reduced activity and decreased vocalization, with the dove appearing listless or adopting a drooping posture. The surviving dove might also stay close to the nesting site. This behavioral alteration, sometimes called a “mourning” phase, can range from a few days to several weeks, varying by individual and bond strength.
Life After Loss: New Pair Bonds or Solitude
Following initial adjustment, the biological drive to reproduce prompts the surviving dove to seek a new mate. The time to find a new partner varies; some re-pair quickly, others take several months. Factors like age, available mates, and time of year influence this transition. When seeking a new partner, doves may increase vocalizations and engage in courtship displays, such as wing-spreading or bowing. Many doves eventually form new pair bonds, but some individuals, particularly older ones or those with few available partners, might remain solitary.
Impact on Nesting and Offspring
The loss of a mate affects nesting attempts and offspring survival. A single parent caring for eggs or nestlings faces substantial challenges, often unsuccessfully. The chances of raising young alone are significantly reduced. If a parent dies during nesting, the surviving partner might abandon the nest.
Studies show the success rate for single-parent nests with young doves less than six days old is markedly decreased. A single parent must frequently leave the nest to forage, leaving vulnerable young unprotected from weather and predators. In some instances, eggs may hatch, but the young do not fledge, leading to complete brood loss.