The movement of doves depends significantly on the species, the geographical location, and the severity of the seasons. For many people, the disappearance of these familiar birds in the fall suggests a long-distance journey, yet the actual migratory patterns are surprisingly complex and highly variable. While some doves undertake true, large-scale migrations that span continents, others maintain a resident status, only making minor local movements throughout the year. Understanding where doves go for the winter first requires determining which populations are migratory and which are not.
Not All Doves Migrate
The common assumption that all dove populations vacate northern territories for warmer climates is inaccurate, as many populations are considered year-round residents. This sedentary behavior is most pronounced in the southern United States and other regions with milder winter weather, where a stable food supply remains accessible. For example, populations of Mourning Doves in the Gulf Coast states, such as Texas, often remain in the same general area throughout the year instead of migrating south. Furthermore, species like the Eurasian Collared-Dove, which has rapidly expanded across North America, are largely non-migratory, choosing to stay put as long as they can find food.
The distinction between resident and migratory populations makes the Mourning Dove what ornithologists call a “partial migrant” across its vast range. This means that while some doves undertake significant seasonal movements, others in the same species do not, essentially splitting the overall population’s strategy for winter survival. This variation in behavior highlights a gradient in movement rather than a simple on/off switch for migration. The populations that do migrate are typically those breeding in the northernmost parts of the range, where winter conditions would make survival impossible.
The Major Migratory Dove: Mourning Doves
The primary migratory species that moves across North America is the Mourning Dove, a bird that breeds extensively across Canada and the continental United States. These northern-breeding populations undertake a substantial north-to-south journey each fall, following established flyways over land. The doves that originate from Canada and the northern tier of the United States are the ones that travel the farthest distances.
Their wintering grounds span a wide geographical area, generally encompassing the southern half of the United States, all of Mexico, and extending into Central America. Specific destinations include the Gulf Coast states like Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana, as well as the southwestern states of Texas and Arizona. The longest-distance travelers may continue their flight well beyond the Mexican border, with sightings recorded as far south as Nicaragua and Panama. These birds follow routes that are usually straight north-south lines, maintaining a relatively low altitude during their daytime flights and resting communally overnight.
A significant number of these northern migrants will spend the winter in Mexico, which serves as a major destination for doves traveling along the Central and Eastern flyways. Banding studies confirm that some doves that nest in the Central United States and Canada pass through states like Texas on their way to wintering areas in Mexico and Central America. The influx of these migrating birds significantly swells the dove populations in the southern states during the winter months, temporarily increasing their density.
Timing and Triggers of the Journey
The migratory journey for doves is a carefully timed event, beginning in the late summer and early fall months. The fall migration typically runs from September through November, with a noticeable movement of birds beginning to arrive in the southern states before the end of August. When a population does migrate, the movement often follows a sequential pattern, with the younger, immature birds departing first. They are followed by the adult females, and finally, the adult males are the last to leave the breeding grounds.
The most significant environmental cue that initiates this departure is the annual decrease in daylight hours, known as the photoperiod. As the maximum amount of daylight begins to shorten after the summer solstice, this change is internally perceived by the doves and triggers the physiological preparation for migration. This reliance on a predictable seasonal change allows the birds to begin their journey before harsh weather arrives. While temperature and food availability are also factors, the shortening of the day length is the primary signal to begin moving south. The return journey to the breeding sites occurs between March and May.