Mourning doves are one of the most widespread birds in North America, recognized for their gentle cooing sounds and graceful appearance. Their reproductive cycle is characterized by efficiency, allowing them to raise multiple broods each year. A defining feature of their breeding strategy is the remarkably short time their young spend within the nest structure. This rapid development allows the species to maximize its reproductive output during the breeding season.
The Rapid Nestling Phase
The time a baby Mourning Dove spends in the nest is exceptionally brief, ranging from 11 to 15 days after hatching. This short duration is necessary because the doves construct a flimsy nest, often a minimal platform of twigs that provides limited shelter. The young doves, known as squabs, undergo an accelerated growth period to minimize their vulnerability in this exposed setting.
Their growth is fueled by “crop milk,” a nutritious substance produced in the crops of both parents, which is fed to the squabs for the first few days. The diet then gradually transitions to seeds regurgitated by the parents. This specialized, high-energy feeding regimen allows the squabs to nearly double in size daily. By the time they leave the nest, they are well-developed and have gained sufficient strength to begin life outside the nest.
Distinguishing Nestlings from Fledglings
Understanding the difference between a nestling and a fledgling is important, particularly if a young dove is found on the ground. A Mourning Dove nestling is too young to survive outside the nest, characterized by little feather coverage and sparse down. These birds are unable to stand upright or hop and often have their eyes closed for the first week of life. If a dove in this state is found on the ground, it has likely fallen and should be returned if the nest is found nearby.
In contrast, a fledgling has intentionally left the nest structure, a stage reached around the two-week mark. Fledglings are fully feathered, though their juvenile plumage is often a darker brown with speckled patterns that aid in camouflage. They possess short tails and may appear awkward in flight, preferring to hop or flutter. A fledgling found on the ground should be left alone, as its parents are likely nearby tending to it.
Life Immediately After Leaving the Nest
Fledging marks the end of time spent in the nest, but the young doves are not yet independent. Immediately after leaving, these young birds rely entirely on parental feeding for several weeks. They spend this time on the ground or hidden low in dense vegetation while practicing short flights and foraging behaviors.
Parental care continues for approximately two to three weeks after fledging, with the male parent often taking the primary role in feeding the young. The female often begins a new nesting cycle, laying a subsequent clutch of eggs while the male supervises the fledglings. The fledglings remain near the original nest until they are fully capable of sustained flight and self-feeding, usually around 30 days post-hatching.