Mourning doves are a common sight across North America, recognized by their gentle cooing. This article clarifies the timeline of a baby mourning dove’s early life, from hatchlings in the nest to fledglings learning independence.
The Nesting Period: From Hatchling to Fledgling
Mourning dove eggs typically hatch after about 14 days, with both parents sharing incubation. The newly hatched young, known as squabs, are altricial, meaning they are born helpless with closed eyes and sparse down. For the first three to four days, adult doves feed their squabs a highly nutritious “pigeon milk” or “crop milk.”
As squabs grow, their diet shifts to include seeds, which parents regurgitate. This rapid growth allows young doves to develop quickly within their nests. The nestling period, during which baby doves are confined to the nest, usually lasts 12 to 15 days. During this time, they are dependent on their parents for food and warmth, and are not yet capable of flight.
Life After the Nest: The Fledgling Stage
When baby mourning doves leave the nest, they enter the fledgling stage. They are not yet fully independent or proficient at flying. Parents continue to feed and care for their fledglings for several days to a few weeks. Often, the male dove primarily feeds the fledglings, allowing the female to prepare for a new brood.
During this time, fledglings hop on the ground or perch on low branches, practicing flight. They are still learning to forage for food, relying on parental guidance and continued feeding. Young doves may remain near the nest for a few more days before venturing further afield and joining other juvenile doves.
Identifying a Young Dove: Nestling vs. Fledgling
Distinguishing between a nestling and a fledgling is important for determining if a young dove needs assistance. A true nestling, if found outside the nest, appears largely helpless. These very young birds often have sparse or absent feathers, closed eyes, and are unable to stand or hop effectively. Their bodies might still be covered in soft, ivory-colored down.
In contrast, a fledgling mourning dove is mostly feathered, though its plumage may look fluffy, disheveled, or have a darker, speckled pattern compared to adults. They typically have short tail feathers and can hop, perch, and make short, clumsy flights. Fledglings are usually alert and will attempt to move away if approached, and their parents are typically nearby, even if not immediately visible.
What to Do if You Find a Young Dove
If you encounter a young mourning dove, first determine if it is a nestling or a fledgling. If it is a true nestling—featherless or sparsely feathered, and unable to move much—and its nest is nearby and accessible, you can gently attempt to return it to its nest. If returning it is not possible or safe, contacting a local wildlife rehabilitator is the recommended course of action.
For a fledgling mourning dove found on the ground, intervention is generally not needed unless the bird is in immediate danger. This stage is a normal part of their development as they learn to fly and forage. Examples of immediate danger include being in a busy street or if an obvious predator is actively threatening the bird. It is important to remember that the parents are almost always nearby, continuing to care for the fledgling even if they are out of sight. Keeping pets, especially cats, away from young birds is crucial, as they pose a significant threat.