We have a pair of Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) that faithfully nest each year under one of our awnings. With the help of a 24/7 CAM we can watch them raise a family. Here are some facts about the Mourning Dove:
Nesting Season - February to October
Nesting Material - Small twigs, pine needles, stems Nest Type - Bowl-Shaped
Nest Location - Trees, bushes, vines, ledges
Number of broods - Two to three, up to six in warmer climates
Clutch size - 2 eggs
Egg color - White with no markings
Incubation period - 14 days, both male and female share incubation
Fledgling time - 13 to 14 days After hatching
Mourning dove parents, provide milk to their young. This "crop-milk" consists of sloughed-off cells from the crop lining. It is rich in protein, fat, and antibodies, just like mammalian milk, and is ideal for the chicks. The chicks are fed this milk mouth to mouth by both parents.