Many people observe a change in the presence of mourning doves throughout the year, sometimes noticing their apparent disappearance. These common backyard birds are widespread across North America, and their fluctuating visibility often prompts questions about their whereabouts. Their perceived absence is a natural outcome of several factors, including seasonal movements, changes in local environmental conditions, and shifts in their own behaviors.
The Migratory Nature of Doves
Mourning doves exhibit varying migratory patterns across their extensive range. In the northernmost parts of their habitat, such as Canada and the northern United States, most mourning doves are migratory, undertaking movements south for the colder months. These birds travel along established flyways, moving during daylight hours in flocks at relatively low altitudes.
Some populations engage in shorter migrations, while others in the southern regions of their range are year-round residents. Migratory doves from northern areas may spend winter in the southern U.S. states, Mexico, and even as far south as Panama or Nicaragua. The departure of these migratory populations in the fall contributes significantly to their decreased presence in northern areas.
Local Shifts and Resource Availability
Even for mourning doves that do not undertake long-distance migrations, their local visibility can change dramatically due to resource availability. Mourning doves primarily feed on seeds. They forage on the ground, preferring areas with bare ground or sparse vegetation where seeds are easily accessible.
Seasonal changes impact the availability of these food sources. As winter progresses, natural seed sources can become depleted or covered by snow and ice, forcing doves to seek out new foraging areas. Changes in water sources, such as ponds freezing over, also influence their movements, as they require fresh water daily. Consequently, doves might shift to different parts of a neighborhood or natural area where food and water are more readily available, making them less noticeable in previously frequented spots.
Behavioral Changes and Life Cycles
Mourning dove visibility also fluctuates with their annual life cycle and behavioral adjustments. During the breeding season, doves become more focused on nesting and raising their young. A mated pair will construct a flimsy nest, often in trees or shrubs, and both parents share incubation duties. During this period, they are more secretive and less conspicuous than when they are actively foraging or loafing.
Mourning doves also undergo molting, the process of replacing old feathers with new ones. This energy-intensive process occurs from late summer into fall. During molting, birds may be less active and spend more time in sheltered areas, reducing their overall visibility.
Outside of the breeding season, mourning doves form larger flocks. This flocking behavior means they are concentrated in specific locations, such as roosting sites or abundant feeding areas, rather than being widely dispersed, which can lead to the perception that individual birds have disappeared from other familiar spots.