Is it normal for doves to sit on the ground?

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Yes, it is normal for some doves to sit on the ground, but context is crucial. Observing a dove on the ground isn’t always a cause for alarm, but it’s important to understand the reasons behind this behavior and identify potential issues.

Doves and Ground Behavior: An Overview

Doves, belonging to the Columbidae family, are generally arboreal birds, meaning they prefer spending their time in trees and elevated areas. However, they are also frequently seen on the ground, exhibiting various behaviors essential to their survival. Understanding these behaviors helps distinguish normal activity from potential problems.

Reasons Doves Sit on the Ground

Several factors contribute to why you might find a dove sitting on the ground:

Foraging for Food: Doves primarily feed on seeds, grains, and small insects. These food sources are often found on the ground, making ground feeding a necessity. They will hop along, pecking at the surface in search of sustenance.
Dust Bathing: Like many birds, doves engage in dust bathing to maintain their plumage. Rolling around in dry soil helps remove parasites, absorb excess oil, and keep their feathers in good condition.
Gathering Grit: Doves, lacking teeth, require grit (small pebbles or sand) to aid in digestion. They swallow grit, which helps grind down food in their gizzard. This is primarily found on the ground.
Resting and Sunbathing: While doves typically roost in trees or on ledges, they may occasionally rest or sunbathe on the ground, especially in sheltered locations. Sunbathing helps them regulate their body temperature and synthesize vitamin D.
Courting and Mating: During the breeding season, doves may perform courtship rituals on the ground, including bowing, cooing, and chasing each other.
Parental Care: Young doves, after fledging, may spend time on the ground as they learn to fly and forage independently, often still under the watchful eye of their parents.

Potential Concerns: When Ground Time Isn’t Normal

While many reasons for ground sitting are normal, certain situations warrant concern:

Injury: A dove with an injury, such as a broken wing or leg, may be unable to fly or perch properly, forcing it to remain on the ground.
Illness: Sick doves may exhibit lethargy, ruffled feathers, and difficulty moving, often remaining grounded. Common illnesses include avian pox and trichomoniasis (canker).
Predator Attack: Doves that have escaped a predator attack may be injured or traumatized, leading them to stay on the ground, vulnerable and disoriented.
Starvation or Dehydration: Lack of food or water can weaken doves, making it difficult for them to fly or maintain their balance.
Exposure to Toxins: Ingestion of pesticides or other toxins can affect a dove’s nervous system, leading to impaired mobility and ground sitting.
Very Young Fledglings: While fledglings do spend time on the ground learning to fly, they should appear relatively healthy and active, with parents nearby. A very young, helpless fledgling is likely in distress.

Identifying Distress Signals

Observing the dove’s behavior is crucial to determine if it needs help. Look for the following signs:

Visible Injuries: Wounds, bleeding, or drooping wings.
Ruffled or Matted Feathers: Indicates illness or poor health.
Lethargy and Weakness: Difficulty standing or moving.
Disorientation: Inability to focus or react to stimuli.
Labored Breathing: Open-mouthed breathing or wheezing.
Lack of Parental Presence: An isolated fledgling with no adult doves nearby.

What to Do if You Find a Dove on the Ground

If you suspect a dove is in distress, take the following steps:

Observe from a Distance: Watch the dove for a period to assess its behavior and identify any obvious signs of injury or illness.
Approach Carefully: If the dove appears injured or helpless, approach it slowly and gently.
Contain the Dove: If possible, carefully capture the dove using a towel or blanket.
Provide a Safe and Quiet Environment: Place the dove in a cardboard box lined with soft material.
Offer Food and Water: Provide a shallow dish of water and some birdseed.
Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator: The most important step is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area. They have the expertise and resources to properly care for injured or orphaned doves.

Tables

Behavior	Normal?	Potential Concern?	Indicators
—————–	———	——————–	———————————————
Foraging	Yes	No	Active, pecking, moving around
Dust Bathing	Yes	No	Rolling, fluffing feathers
Resting	Yes	Sometimes	Still, alert, no visible injuries
Injured/Sick	No	Yes	Visible injuries, ruffled feathers, lethargy
Fledgling Learning	Yes	Sometimes	Actively attempting to fly, parents nearby

Bullet List of Actions:

Observe from a distance.
Approach carefully if needed.
Contain the bird if injured.
Provide a safe space.
Offer food and water.
Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it normal for doves to sit on the ground for extended periods?

No, it is not normal for doves to remain on the ground for exceptionally long durations, especially if they are not actively engaging in activities like foraging or dust bathing. Prolonged ground sitting could indicate an underlying issue such as injury, illness, or weakness.

Why do doves fluff their feathers when on the ground?

Doves fluff their feathers on the ground primarily during dust bathing. This behavior helps to dislodge parasites and absorb excess oils from their plumage, contributing to feather health and insulation. They may also fluff their feathers while resting to regulate their body temperature.

How can I tell if a dove on the ground is injured?

Look for signs of injury, such as visible wounds, bleeding, drooping wings, or an inability to stand or walk properly. Injured doves may also exhibit ruffled feathers, lethargy, and disorientation. If you observe any of these symptoms, the dove likely needs professional help.

Is it okay to feed doves that I see on the ground?

While it’s tempting to feed doves, it’s generally not recommended. Feeding doves can lead to dependency, overcrowding, and the spread of diseases. If you choose to feed them, do so sparingly and in a way that minimizes waste and attracts other animals.

What is the best thing to do if I find a baby dove on the ground?

First, observe the fledgling from a distance. If it appears healthy and is actively trying to fly, its parents are likely nearby and still caring for it. If the fledgling is clearly injured, weak, or abandoned, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.

How do doves protect themselves from predators when they are on the ground?

Doves rely on their cryptic coloration to blend in with their surroundings. They also remain vigilant, constantly scanning for potential threats. When threatened, they can quickly take flight to escape predators.

What types of ground surfaces do doves prefer?

Doves are not particularly picky but prefer areas with loose soil, sand, or gravel for dust bathing and foraging. They avoid areas with dense vegetation or standing water.

Is it normal for doves to sit on the ground in cold weather?

Doves may seek shelter on the ground in cold weather, especially in areas protected from wind and snow. However, prolonged exposure to cold can be harmful. If you see a dove shivering or appearing distressed, it may need assistance.

Can doves get diseases from the ground?

Yes, doves can contract diseases from contaminated soil or surfaces, such as avian pox or parasites. This is why dust bathing is important for parasite control.

What is the typical ground-sitting behavior of a mourning dove?

Mourning doves frequently forage on the ground for seeds and grains. They typically hop along, pecking at the surface. They are also known to dust bathe and rest on the ground in sunny spots.

How long does a dove usually stay on the ground when dust bathing?

The duration of a dust bath varies, but doves typically spend 5 to 15 minutes rolling and preening in the soil.

Is it normal for doves to nest on the ground?

No, it is not normal. Doves typically nest in trees, shrubs, or on ledges. Ground nesting is extremely rare and would make the nest extremely vulnerable to predators.