The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is one of North America’s most widespread and successful bird species, largely due to its ability to nest frequently. The entire nesting process, from the first egg laid to the young bird’s departure, is one of the fastest among native birds. This rapid, efficient reproductive cycle allows the species to maximize the number of offspring raised each year. Understanding the duration of each stage reveals why the Mourning Dove is such a prolific breeder.
The Initial Setup: Nest Construction and Egg Laying
The nesting process begins with a brief construction period, often taking the pair only two to four days to complete their structure. The male dove gathers small twigs, pine needles, and grass stems, delivering them to the female, who arranges the material at the chosen site. This cooperative effort results in a characteristically flimsy, shallow platform. Nests are often situated on horizontal tree limbs, dense shrubs, or man-made structures like window ledges.
Once the nest is complete, the female begins the egg-laying phase shortly thereafter. Mourning Doves are determinate layers, meaning their clutch size is fixed at two pure-white eggs per nesting attempt. The first egg is usually laid within a couple of days of nest completion, and the second egg follows 24 to 48 hours later. This minimal clutch size is linked to the unique feeding mechanism that supports their rapid development.
Measuring the Timeframe: Incubation and Hatching
The incubation period for Mourning Dove eggs is short, requiring an average of 14 days, typically ranging from 13 to 15 days. Incubation begins after the female lays the second egg, ensuring both eggs hatch at roughly the same time. The parents share the duty of keeping the eggs warm using a biparental shift system.
The male dove manages incubation during the day, generally from mid-morning until late afternoon. The female takes over for the longer shift, continuing through the night and into the next morning. This continuous coverage prevents the eggs from being left unattended, a necessity given the flimsy nature of their nests. When the eggs hatch, the young birds, known as squabs, emerge helpless, with closed eyes and sparse, cream-colored down.
From Hatchling to Fledgling: The Nestling Period
The duration the young doves spend in the nest after hatching is brief, lasting 12 to 15 days, with 14 days being the average. This accelerated development is possible due to a specialized, high-nutrient food source known as crop milk or pigeon milk. This substance is a secretion rich in protein and fat, produced by the lining of the crops of both parents.
For the first few days, the squabs are fed exclusively on crop milk, which provides the concentrated energy needed for their initial growth. The parents feed the young by regurgitation, with the squabs inserting their bills into the parents’ mouths. After about four or five days, the parents gradually supplement the crop milk with seeds, transitioning the nestlings to the adult diet. By the end of the nestling period, the young are not fully grown, but their rapid development allows them to fledge well before they are fully independent.
Seasonal Repetition: Broods and Nest Site Reuse
The combination of a short incubation period and a quick nestling phase means the entire nesting cycle is completed in 28 to 30 days. This rapid turnaround is why the Mourning Dove is a prolific breeder. A single pair can raise multiple broods in a season, often producing three to six successful clutches in warmer climates where the breeding season is longer.
The parents do not pause significantly between broods; the female may begin preparing for the next clutch as the male cares for the recently fledged young. Although they frequently construct a new nest, Mourning Doves sometimes reuse an existing one by adding a fresh layer of material. This ability to quickly start a new cycle allows them to maintain one of the longest breeding seasons of any North American bird species, extending from early spring into the fall.