How Long Will a Mourning Dove Sit on Her Eggs?
Mourning doves typically incubate their eggs for approximately 14 days. During this period, both parents share the responsibilities of keeping the eggs warm and safe.
The Patient Vigil: Incubation and the Mourning Dove
Mourning doves, with their gentle cooing and streamlined forms, are familiar sights across North America. These birds, known for their devotion to their young, exhibit fascinating incubation behaviors. Understanding how long will a mourning dove sit on her eggs is key to appreciating their breeding cycle. This article delves into the intricacies of mourning dove incubation, shedding light on the roles of both parents, the factors influencing incubation duration, and common questions surrounding this critical period.
The Ritual of Nest Building and Egg Laying
Before incubation even begins, the mourning dove pair engages in a cooperative process of nest construction. These nests are often flimsy platforms of twigs, located in trees, shrubs, or even on the ground in protected areas. The female typically lays two pure white eggs, usually one egg per day. This clutch size is consistent across the species.
Shared Parental Responsibilities
Mourning doves are devoted parents, with both the male and female participating in incubation. This shared responsibility is crucial for the survival of the chicks. The specific roles are as follows:
- Female Dove: Typically incubates the eggs from late afternoon through the night and into the early morning.
- Male Dove: Usually takes over incubation duties from late morning to late afternoon.
This division of labor allows both parents to forage for food and maintain their own health while ensuring the eggs remain consistently warmed. The changeover is often a quiet and subtle affair.
Factors Affecting Incubation Time
While the average incubation period for mourning dove eggs is 14 days, several factors can influence this timeframe:
- Temperature: Lower temperatures can slightly extend the incubation period, as the eggs require more time to reach the optimal temperature for development. Exceptionally high temperatures may also impact the developing embryo.
- Humidity: Proper humidity levels are essential for egg development. Extremely dry conditions can lead to dehydration of the eggs, potentially delaying hatching.
- Parental Experience: First-time parents may be less efficient at incubation, potentially leading to slight variations in the overall incubation time.
- Disturbances: Repeated disturbances to the nest can cause the parents to abandon the eggs temporarily, which may slightly extend the overall time required for incubation to be completed.
Signs of Hatching
As the incubation period nears its end, observant birdwatchers can look for signs of impending hatching. These signs include:
- Increased parental attentiveness: The parents may become more vigilant and spend more time near the nest.
- Pipping: A small crack or hole appearing in the eggshell, indicating the chick is beginning to break free. This process can take several hours.
- Chirping: Faint chirping sounds emanating from the egg.
What to Do If You Find an Abandoned Nest
Finding a mourning dove nest with eggs can be an exciting experience. However, it’s crucial to avoid interfering with the nest. If you suspect the nest has been abandoned, observe it from a distance for an extended period to confirm the absence of the parents. If you are certain it has been abandoned, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for advice. Do not attempt to incubate the eggs yourself unless you are a trained professional, as this requires specialized equipment and knowledge.
Incubation Period Comparison
| Bird Species | Average Incubation Period |
|---|---|
| —————— | ————————- |
| Mourning Dove | 14 days |
| American Robin | 12-14 days |
| Bluebird | 13-16 days |
| House Sparrow | 10-14 days |
| Canada Goose | 28-30 days |
The Importance of Minimal Interference
Perhaps the most critical point is this: observing from afar and minimizing disturbance is key to supporting successful nesting. Human interference can stress the parents and lead to nest abandonment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often do mourning doves lay eggs in a year?
Mourning doves can have multiple broods in a single breeding season, often raising two to three clutches per year, sometimes even more in warmer climates. This high reproductive rate helps to sustain their population.
What do mourning doves eat while incubating eggs?
Both parents will leave the nest to forage. Mourning doves primarily eat seeds, which they gather from the ground. They may also consume grains and occasionally insects.
Do both male and female mourning doves sit on the nest at the same time?
Typically, only one parent incubates the eggs at a time. The male and female share incubation duties, with the female usually taking the night shift and the male taking the daytime shift.
What happens if a mourning dove egg falls out of the nest?
Unfortunately, if an egg falls out of the nest, its chances of survival are very slim. The egg requires constant incubation to develop, and exposure to the elements will quickly render it non-viable. It is best to leave the egg where it is.
How can I attract mourning doves to nest in my yard?
Providing a birdbath with fresh water, planting native seed-bearing plants, and offering a platform feeder with black oil sunflower seeds can attract mourning doves to your yard.
How long do mourning dove chicks stay in the nest after hatching?
Mourning dove chicks, also known as squabs, typically stay in the nest for around 12-15 days after hatching. During this time, they are fed crop milk, a nutritious substance produced by both parents.
What is crop milk, and why is it important?
Crop milk is a nutrient-rich substance produced in the crop of both male and female mourning doves. It is the primary food source for their chicks during the first few days of their lives, providing essential proteins and fats.
How can I protect a mourning dove nest from predators?
While it’s challenging to completely eliminate the risk of predation, you can take steps to minimize it. Keep cats indoors, trim branches that provide easy access for predators like squirrels, and avoid using pesticides that could harm the doves or their food source.
What does a mourning dove nest look like?
Mourning dove nests are often flimsy platforms made of twigs, grass, and leaves. They are typically located in trees, shrubs, or even on the ground in sheltered areas.
What is the best time of year to see mourning dove nests?
Mourning doves typically nest during the spring and summer months, with the breeding season varying slightly depending on the region.
Are mourning doves protected by law?
Yes, mourning doves are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It is illegal to harm, harass, or kill them or their nests and eggs without a permit.
What should I do if I find an injured mourning dove?
If you find an injured mourning dove, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator immediately. They have the expertise and resources to provide the necessary care for the bird.