Doves are a familiar sight, known for their soft cooing and gentle demeanor. They often construct nests in trees, shrubs, or on human-made structures like ledges and eaves. A pair of doves typically works together to build a relatively simple nest from twigs, grass, and pine needles, which can sometimes appear flimsy. This effort culminates in egg-laying.
Dove Egg Incubation Time
The incubation period for dove eggs is a consistent process, typically lasting around 14 days for many common species, such as the Mourning Dove. Incubation begins once the female has laid her full clutch, usually two plain, white eggs. Both parent doves share the responsibility of keeping the eggs warm.
The male dove commonly takes on daytime incubation duties, allowing the female to forage and rest. As evening approaches, the female assumes the role, providing warmth and protection through the night. This cooperative approach ensures the eggs are rarely left unattended. While 14 days is the average, slight variations can occur due to environmental factors, such as temperature fluctuations.
Indications of Impending Hatch
As the incubation period draws to a close, signs indicate a dove egg is nearing hatch. A primary indicator is “pipping,” where the developing chick creates a small crack in the eggshell using a specialized projection on its beak called an egg tooth. This initial crack allows the chick to access the air sac within the egg, beginning to breathe.
Following the initial pip, the chick continues to work, gradually extending the crack around the circumference of the egg in a process known as “zipping.” This zipping can take several hours, sometimes up to 24 hours, as the chick slowly breaks free from the shell. Observers might also hear faint peeping sounds coming from inside the egg, signaling readiness to emerge.
After the Hatch
Once a dove egg hatches, a tiny hatchling, known as a squab, emerges. These squabs are altricial, meaning they are born blind and are sparsely covered in a cream-colored down, unable to hold up their heads or regulate their own body temperature. They are entirely dependent on their parents for warmth and nourishment.
Both parent doves provide a unique, nutritious substance called “crop milk.” This protein and fat-rich secretion is produced in the lining of their crops and is regurgitated directly into the squabs’ mouths. Squabs feed by inserting their beaks into the parent’s mouth to consume it, which fuels their rapid growth. Within approximately two weeks, these young doves develop feathers and are ready to fledge, though they often remain near the nest and continue to be fed by their parents for an additional week or two as they learn to forage independently.