Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) are one of the most common and widespread bird species throughout North America, frequently inhabiting backyards and urban environments. Their presence is often announced by their distinctive, soft cooing call. Understanding the reproductive cycle of this prolific bird begins with a look at the physical attributes of its clutch.
The Distinct Color and Characteristics
Mourning Dove eggs are characteristically a pure white, sometimes appearing with a slight creamy or pale buff tint. This color is consistent and completely unmarked, lacking the spots or speckles common to the eggs of many other avian species. The eggs are relatively small, typically measuring between 2.6 to 3.0 centimeters in length and 2.1 to 2.3 centimeters in width.
The shape of the egg is distinctly elliptical, making it slightly more elongated than the typical oval bird egg. The shell possesses a smooth texture with very little natural gloss, giving it a matte appearance.
Typical Clutch Size and Nest Placement
The reproductive strategy of the Mourning Dove centers on frequently raising small clutches over a long breeding season. The standard clutch size is nearly always two eggs, with the female laying one egg per day until the pair is complete.
The nest itself is famously flimsy, constructed as a shallow, loose platform made from small twigs, pine needles, and grass stems. This fragile structure is often placed in the fork of a tree branch, especially in dense shrubs or evergreens. Mourning Doves also display adaptability, frequently nesting on artificial structures like window ledges, rain gutters, or abandoned equipment.
The Incubation Period
The period from when the eggs are laid until they hatch is short, typically lasting about 14 days. This rapid turnaround allows the pair to raise multiple broods within a single breeding season, which can extend from early spring until late fall in warmer regions. The successful development of the embryos relies on the shared commitment of both parent birds.
Parental duties during incubation are strictly divided between the male and female dove. The male generally takes the day shift, sitting on the nest from mid-morning until late afternoon. The female assumes responsibility for the eggs during the night and the remaining daylight hours. This continuous presence ensures the eggs are rarely left unattended, protecting them from temperature fluctuations and predators.