Doves are a familiar sight in many environments, from urban gardens to open woodlands, recognized by their gentle cooing and distinct flight. Species like the Mourning Dove are common across North America, often seen perching on wires or foraging on the ground. Their presence sparks curiosity about their reproductive habits and how they raise their young.
Typical Clutch Size
Most dove species lay two eggs per clutch, a consistent pattern. For instance, Mourning Doves, one of the most common species, almost always produce two small, white eggs in their nests. While two eggs are the norm, some variation exists, with species like the Common Ground Dove laying between one and three eggs, though two remains the most frequent number. This small clutch size enables them to be prolific breeders. An interesting exception is the fruit dove, which lays only a single egg due to its specialized diet, low in protein compared to the seed-heavy diets of most other dove species.
Nesting Behaviors and Incubation
Doves construct simple, flimsy nests from twigs, grass, and pine needles. These nests can be found in various locations, including tree branches, shrubs, hanging plants, or even on the ground where suitable elevated spots are unavailable. Both male and female doves collaborate in nest building; the male typically gathers the materials, presenting them to the female who then arranges them to form the nest structure. This process can be completed within a few hours or over a couple of days.
Once the eggs are laid, both parents share the responsibility of incubation. The male dove usually takes on the daytime shift, incubating the eggs from morning until afternoon, while the female takes over for the remainder of the day and through the night. This continuous incubation ensures the eggs are consistently kept warm. The incubation period for Mourning Doves is approximately 14 days, with Common Ground Doves having a similar 12 to 14-day period.
After hatching, the helpless young, known as squabs, are initially fed “crop milk”—a nutrient-rich substance produced by both parents—before gradually transitioning to a diet of seeds. Mourning Dove squabs fledge around 11 to 15 days after hatching.
Influences on Egg Laying
Doves are known for their ability to raise multiple broods within a single breeding season. Mourning Doves, for example, can produce between one and six broods annually, particularly in warmer climates. Several factors influence the frequency and success of their egg-laying efforts. Abundant food availability, primarily seeds, supports the energy demands of reproduction and allows for more frequent nesting attempts.
Favorable weather conditions also play a role, enabling doves to start their nesting cycles earlier in the year, sometimes as early as January or February in southern regions, and extending into warmer months. The presence of predators can act as a selective pressure, encouraging doves to have shorter nesting cycles and the ability to re-nest quickly after a failed attempt. The availability of suitable nesting sites and the parents’ overall health and age can impact their reproductive output, with healthy, experienced pairs more likely to successfully raise multiple sets of young.