Habitat:

The mourning Dove is among our most common birds, found from southern Canada to central Mexico, favoring open country and along roadsides. They avoid dense forests.

Diet:

They feed almost entirely on seeds - 99%. Favors seeds of cultivated grains, also those of grasses, ragweeds and other plants. Rarely eats any insects.

Forages mostly on the ground, often eating on the ground under elevated feeders. Regularly swallows grit to aid in digestion of hard seeds.

Nesting:

Nest site is usually in a tree or shrub, sometimes on the ground. The nest is a flimsy platform of twigs, with the male bringing mterial and the female building the nest.

Eggs:

White. Incubation by both parents, about 14 days.

Young:

Fed by both parents. The crop (enlarged upper esophagus) in adults produces a secretion called "pigeon milk." Young are feed on this alone for the first few days, then increasing numbers of seeds mixed into food regurgitated by the parent.

Young leave the nest at about 15 days and usually wait nearby to be fed for the next 1-2 weeks. Mourning Doves can have as many as 5-6 broods per year in southern areas.

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