Doves, recognizable by their gentle cooing, are widely known for their strong pair-bonding behavior. Species like the mourning dove often form connections that last for an entire breeding season, or in some cases, for multiple years or even their lifespan, which can be seven to ten years. This bond is important because both parents typically share the responsibilities of nesting and raising their young, crucial for their reproductive success.
Immediate Responses to Loss
When a dove loses its mate, the surviving bird commonly exhibits observable distress. This can involve the dove remaining near its deceased partner, sometimes nudging or appearing to tend to the lifeless body. Such behaviors may persist for hours or even days, suggesting a profound impact.
The surviving dove may also show a general withdrawal, becoming less active and spending more time in solitude. Vocalizations, typically soft cooing, might significantly decrease or cease altogether. Changes in daily habits, such as reduced feeding or loss of interest in food, can occur. The dove may repeatedly visit the location where its mate died, displaying behaviors that align with deep distress.
Adjusting to Life Without a Mate
Following the initial period of loss, a dove’s drive to reproduce typically leads it to seek a new partner. The time it takes to find a new mate can vary considerably, from a quick re-pairing to several months. Factors such as the dove’s age, health, availability of suitable partners, and the current breeding season influence how quickly a new bond forms.
Doves engage in courtship displays to attract a new mate, including bowing and preening. While many dove species, such as the Rock Pigeon or Eurasian Collared-Dove, form lifelong pair bonds, mourning doves often bond for a single breeding season and may re-pair in subsequent seasons. Finding a new mate is not always guaranteed, especially for older doves or if suitable partners are scarce, which can lead to solitary living.
Consequences for Nesting and Young
If a mate dies when there are eggs or young chicks, the implications for the surviving parent and offspring are substantial. For many dove species, raising young requires the cooperative effort of both parents. Male and female doves share duties such as incubating eggs, brooding chicks, and feeding them “crop milk,” a nutrient-rich substance essential for their early development.
A single parent attempting to raise offspring alone faces significant challenges, and the success rate is often reduced compared to a pair. If one parent is lost during the initial days of the nestlings’ lives, particularly within the first week, the young may not survive due to insufficient food. In some instances, the surviving parent may abandon the nest entirely if unable to manage the demanding responsibilities of incubation, brooding, and feeding alone.