Mourning Dove Nesting
NEST PLACEMENT Tree – Typically nests amid dense foliage on the branch of an evergreen, orchard tree, mesquite, cottonwood, or vine.
Also quite commonly nests on the ground, particularly in the West. Unbothered by nesting around humans, Mourning Doves may even nest on gutters, eaves, or abandoned equipment. NEST DESCRIPTION A flimsy assembly of pine needles, twigs, and grass stems, unlined and with little insulation for the young. Mourning Dove.
Over 2 to 4 days, the male carries twigs to the female, passing them to her while standing on her back; the female weaves them into a nest about 8 inches across. Mourning Doves sometimes reuse their own or other species’ nests.
NESTING FACTS
Clutch Size: 2 eggs Number of Broods: 1-6 broods Egg Length: 1.0-1.2 in (2.6-3 cm) Egg Width: 0.8-0.9 in (2.1-2.3 cm) Incubation Period: 14 days Nestling Period: 12-15 days Egg Description: Unmarked, white.
Condition at Hatching: Helpless, eyes closed, sparsely covered in cream-colored down, unable to hold up head, dependent on adults for warmth.