Are Mourning Doves Friendly? Decoding the Dove’s Demeanor
Mourning doves, with their gentle cooing and graceful presence, are frequent visitors to backyards and parks. Are mourning doves friendly? The answer is: While not inherently aggressive, mourning doves are typically shy and cautious rather than actively friendly, exhibiting a quiet tolerance of humans rather than seeking interaction.
Understanding Mourning Dove Behavior
Mourning doves ( Zenaida macroura ) are one of the most abundant bird species in North America. Their soft, melancholic coo, often mistaken for an owl’s hoot, is a common sound in both rural and urban landscapes. Understanding their behavior is key to interpreting their apparent “friendliness.”
Dove Biology and Temperament
Mourning doves are ground feeders, primarily consuming seeds. This habit makes them frequent visitors to bird feeders and areas where seeds have fallen. They are naturally wary creatures, always on the lookout for predators. This inherent caution translates into a general aloofness, making true “friendliness” in the human sense uncommon.
- They are prey animals, constantly vigilant for danger.
- Their primary focus is on survival: finding food and avoiding predators.
- Their social interactions are mainly focused on mating and raising young.
Interpreting Dove Behavior
What might be perceived as “friendliness” in a mourning dove is more likely habituation or tolerance. A dove that regularly visits a backyard feeder may become accustomed to human presence, but it is unlikely to actively seek out human interaction. They tolerate your presence, but that doesn’t mean they are friendly in a way that a dog or cat might be.
Factors Influencing Dove Interactions
Several factors can influence how a mourning dove interacts with humans:
- Food Availability: Doves are more likely to frequent areas where food is readily available.
- Predator Pressure: Doves will be more cautious in areas with high predator activity.
- Habituation: Regular exposure to humans can lead to increased tolerance.
- Nesting Season: During nesting season, doves may be more territorial and less tolerant of disturbance.
Dos and Don’ts of Interacting with Mourning Doves
While direct interaction is generally discouraged, here are some guidelines for coexisting peacefully with mourning doves:
- Do: Provide a safe and clean environment with readily available food and water.
- Do: Observe doves from a distance, avoiding sudden movements or loud noises.
- Don’t: Attempt to handle or capture doves, as this can cause stress and injury.
- Don’t: Offer human food to doves, as it can be harmful to their health.
- Do: Keep pets indoors or supervised to prevent them from harassing or harming doves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming Tolerance Equals Friendliness: Just because a dove tolerates your presence doesn’t mean it’s “friendly.” It’s likely just habituated to your presence.
- Feeding Inappropriate Food: Bread and other human foods are not nutritious and can be harmful to doves.
- Approaching Too Closely: Doves are easily startled. Give them space.
- Disturbing Nesting Sites: Avoid approaching or disturbing dove nests, as this can cause the parents to abandon their young.
Comparing Dove Behavior to Other Birds
| Bird Type | Typical Behavior Towards Humans | “Friendliness” Level |
|---|---|---|
| —————- | —————————————— | ——————– |
| Mourning Dove | Tolerant, cautious, avoids direct contact | Low |
| Chickadee | Can be trained to feed from hand | Medium |
| American Robin | Forages in close proximity, avoids contact | Low |
| Domestic Pigeon | Highly tolerant, can be hand-fed | High |
| Wild Turkey | Generally wary, but can be aggressive | Low to Negative |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are mourning doves friendly to humans?
- Mourning doves are not inherently friendly to humans in the same way a domesticated animal might be. They are generally shy and cautious, preferring to avoid direct contact. Their seeming tolerance often stems from habituation, particularly around reliable food sources, rather than a genuine desire for interaction.
How can I attract mourning doves to my yard?
- To attract mourning doves, provide a shallow birdbath with fresh water and offer a variety of seeds, such as sunflower, millet, and cracked corn. Scatter seeds on the ground or use a platform feeder. Creating a safe environment with shrubs and trees for cover will also encourage them to visit.
What does it mean when a mourning dove perches near me?
- If a mourning dove perches near you, it likely indicates that it feels relatively safe in your presence. However, it’s more likely a sign of habituation to your presence rather than active friendliness. It may be using you as a reference point or simply feeling comfortable enough to remain in the vicinity.
Are mourning doves aggressive towards other birds?
- Mourning doves are generally not aggressive towards other bird species. They are typically peaceful and non-confrontational, often coexisting harmoniously with other seed-eating birds at feeders. However, they may occasionally compete for food resources.
Do mourning doves recognize individual humans?
- While it’s difficult to say for certain whether mourning doves recognize individual humans in the way that mammals do, they are capable of learning and associating certain individuals with positive or negative experiences. They might become more tolerant of those who consistently provide food or avoid scaring them.
What is the best way to feed mourning doves?
- The best way to feed mourning doves is by providing seeds scattered on the ground or in a platform feeder. Offer a variety of seeds, such as sunflower, millet, and cracked corn. Avoid using feeders with small perches, as doves prefer to feed from a flat surface.
Are mourning doves good to have in my backyard?
- Yes, mourning doves are generally beneficial to have in your backyard. They are peaceful, non-aggressive birds that help to control weed seeds and add a calming presence to your outdoor space. Their gentle cooing is often considered a soothing sound.
Do mourning doves carry diseases?
- Like all wild birds, mourning doves can potentially carry diseases, but the risk of transmission to humans is generally low. It’s always a good practice to wash your hands thoroughly after handling bird feeders or birdbaths to minimize any potential risk.
How long do mourning doves live?
- The average lifespan of a mourning dove in the wild is 1.5 years. However, some individuals can live much longer, with documented lifespans of up to 10 years. Mortality rates are high in young birds.
What do mourning doves eat besides seeds?
- While seeds are their primary food source, mourning doves also consume small amounts of grains, fruits, and insects, especially during the breeding season when they need additional protein. Grit, small pieces of gravel or sand, is also important for aiding digestion.
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 hunt, kill, possess, or sell mourning doves without a permit.
What should I do if I find an injured mourning dove?
- If you find an injured mourning dove, it’s best to contact a local wildlife rehabilitator. Do not attempt to treat the bird yourself, as you could unintentionally cause further harm. A qualified rehabilitator will be able to assess the bird’s injuries and provide appropriate care.