Doves are a familiar sight in many environments, from bustling city parks to quiet suburban gardens. Their gentle cooing and graceful flight often spark curiosity about their life cycle, particularly the process by which their young emerge from eggs. Understanding the stages of a dove’s development, beginning with the egg, offers insight into these widespread birds.
The Incubation Period
Dove eggs typically hatch after an incubation period of approximately 14 days. For common species like the Mourning Dove, this duration is consistent. Incubation begins once the female has laid her clutch, which usually consists of two white, unmarked eggs laid a day or two apart.
Both parent doves share the responsibility of incubating the eggs. The male typically takes over during the day, while the female incubates throughout the night. This continuous attention maintains a stable temperature, important for the embryo’s development. Inside the egg, the embryo undergoes rapid growth, transforming from a cluster of cells into a recognizable chick.
Factors Influencing Hatching
Several factors influence a dove egg’s hatching success and timing. Consistent temperature and appropriate humidity are important environmental conditions for embryonic development. The ideal temperature for dove eggs is around 37.5°C (99.5°F) with humidity levels around 50-60%. Fluctuations outside this range can hinder development or prevent hatching.
Nest security also plays a role; nests protected from predators and human disturbance have a higher chance of success. Doves build relatively flimsy nests, often in trees or shrubs, making them vulnerable. Consistent parental care, with both parents diligently taking turns incubating, ensures eggs are not left unattended. Prolonged exposure to cold or disruptions, like a parent being scared away, can cause eggs to cool and fail to hatch.
From Hatching to Fledging
Newly hatched doves, known as squabs, are born in a helpless state. They are often blind, with eyes closed for about a week, and are sparsely covered in a yellowish-brown down, unable to regulate their own body temperature. Their beaks feature a temporary egg tooth, used to break free from the shell during hatching.
Parents feed these vulnerable squabs a unique, highly nutritious substance called “crop milk.” This protein and fat-rich secretion is produced by the lining of the crop in both male and female doves. For the first week, squabs feed exclusively on this crop milk, regurgitated directly into their mouths. As they grow, parents gradually introduce softened seeds into their diet. Squabs grow rapidly, typically ready to fledge within 10 to 15 days after hatching, though they often remain near their parents for continued feeding and guidance.