Doves are a familiar sight, known for their gentle cooing and frequent breeding habits. They undertake multiple reproductive cycles within a single year, which helps maintain stable populations.
Seasonal Egg Laying
The breeding season for doves typically aligns with warmer months, generally spanning from March through September in many regions. However, this period can extend, with some species like the Mourning Dove beginning as early as February and continuing into October, particularly in warmer climates. In consistently favorable conditions, such as controlled environments with ample light and food, doves can breed almost year-round.
Environmental factors significantly influence their breeding activity. Abundant food, mild temperatures, and increased daylight encourage more frequent nesting. Conversely, harsh weather or limited food can shorten the breeding season. This adaptability allows doves to maximize their reproductive success based on prevailing conditions.
Doves produce multiple clutches within a single breeding season. A pair of Mourning Doves, for instance, can raise up to six broods annually under ideal circumstances.
Nesting and Egg Characteristics
Doves construct a nest, which is often a rather flimsy structure. The male typically gathers materials like twigs, pine needles, and grass stems, delivering them to the female. The female then arranges these materials to form a loose, flat platform. These nests are commonly located in trees, shrubs, or on artificial structures like building ledges and eaves.
Doves typically lay two eggs per clutch, though occasionally a single egg is laid. These eggs are usually white and unmarked. The female generally lays one egg, and then the second egg a day or two later.
Incubation and Hatching
Both parents participate in the incubation process, which lasts approximately 14 days for many dove species. The male dove typically takes over incubation duties during the day, while the female incubates the eggs through the night. This shared responsibility ensures the eggs are consistently kept warm and protected.
Upon hatching, the young doves, known as squabs, are altricial, meaning they are helpless, blind, and sparsely covered in down. They are completely dependent on their parents for warmth and nourishment. For the first few days, squabs are fed “crop milk,” a highly nutritious secretion produced in the crop lining of both parent birds. This specialized milk provides the essential nutrients for rapid growth. As the squabs mature, their diet gradually shifts to include softened seeds, and they are typically ready to fledge within 12 to 15 days of hatching.