Doves are widespread and abundant birds, and their reproductive success is central to maintaining high population numbers. The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is the species most commonly observed in North America and is a highly prolific breeder. Their strategy is not to lay many eggs at once, but rather to repeat the nesting cycle rapidly throughout an extended season. This approach allows them to quickly replace their population, which faces high annual mortality rates.
The Typical Clutch Size
The reproductive strategy for most dove species, including the Mourning Dove, begins with a small number of eggs per nesting event. Doves almost exclusively lay a clutch size of two eggs, a number highly consistent across the family Columbidae. This small clutch size distinguishes them from most other land birds.
These eggs are typically plain white or cream-colored. The female usually lays the first egg, and the second egg follows a day or two later. Both the male and female parents share incubation duties, with the male often sitting on the nest during the day and the female taking the overnight shift.
Breeding Frequency and Annual Output
While the clutch size is small, the number of times a pair of doves can nest in a year is unusually high, which is the main answer to their reproductive capacity. Mourning Doves possess one of the longest breeding seasons of any North American bird, often starting as early as late February in warm climates and continuing until September. This extended period directly translates into multiple breeding cycles.
In favorable conditions with abundant resources and a warm climate, a single pair can produce between five and six broods in a single year. In colder, northern regions, the breeding window is shorter, and a pair may only manage two to three successful nestings. This high frequency of egg-laying, rather than a large clutch size, is the mechanism that maintains their robust population numbers.
The Speed of the Reproductive Cycle
The ability of doves to produce so many broods in a single season is possible due to the rapid speed of their reproductive cycle. The incubation period for the two eggs is short, lasting approximately 14 days. After the hatchlings, known as squabs, emerge, they develop quickly and are ready to leave the nest in about 11 to 15 days.
This rapid development is facilitated by a unique substance called “crop milk,” which is produced by both the male and female parents. This highly nutritious, protein-rich secretion is sloughed off the lining of the crop, a pouch near the bird’s esophagus, and is the exclusive food for the nestlings during their first few days of life. The use of this specialized, high-energy food source allows the young to grow faster than many other bird species. The parents are often able to start a new nest almost immediately, sometimes beginning a second clutch while the previous young are still being cared for nearby.