Doves are common birds found worldwide, recognized for their gentle demeanor and cooing sounds. These adaptable birds inhabit diverse environments, from rural farmlands to urban centers. Understanding their wild lifespan provides insights into their populations and the challenges they navigate.
Lifespan of Doves in Their Natural Habitat
The lifespan of wild doves varies significantly by species and external factors. The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), a widely distributed North American species, typically lives 2 to 4 years on average. Some individuals can survive much longer, with banding research revealing a record of over 31 years for a wild Mourning Dove.
The Rock Dove (feral pigeon) also exhibits a varied lifespan. Wild Rock Doves generally live 3 to 5 years, though banding studies show some can live over seven years. These figures represent averages, and many doves may not reach these ages due to environmental pressures.
What Limits a Wild Dove’s Life?
Wild doves face environmental and biological factors that influence their survival and limit their lifespan. Natural predators like hawks, falcons, raccoons, snakes, and domestic cats prey on adult doves, eggs, and nestlings. A high mortality rate means many young birds do not survive their first year.
Diseases and parasites also impact dove populations. Trichomoniasis, caused by the protozoan Trichomonas gallinae, is a significant disease for Mourning Doves, leading to widespread die-offs. This disease, also called canker, affects the upper digestive tract and transmits through shared food and water sources. Limited food and water, along with harsh weather (storms, droughts, extreme temperatures), can deplete food sources and increase mortality. Human impacts, including habitat loss, pesticide use, and hunting, further challenge doves.
How Scientists Track Dove Lifespans
Ornithologists primarily use bird banding (also known as bird ringing) to determine wild bird lifespans. This method involves attaching a small, numbered band to a bird’s leg. When a banded bird is re-sighted or recaptured, its band information, location, and date are recorded in a central database.
This data allows scientists to track individual birds, providing information on movements, migration, and longevity. Citizen science plays an important role, as volunteers report banded birds they encounter. This effort contributes to understanding bird populations and informs conservation strategies.