I love baby mourning doves for their soft cooing and delicate beauty. In this guide, you’ll learn everything about mourning dove eggs and babies. These birds are not only charming backyard guests; they also help our environment and culture.
Doves and Pigeons
How Baby Mourning Doves Grow Up?
Mourning doves are gentle and beautiful birds that make a soft cooing sound. You might have seen them in your backyard or at the park. But do you know what their babies are like? In this section, you’ll discover the amazing life cycle of baby mourning doves. You’ll learn how they hatch, how they get fed, how they learn to fly, and more. You’ll also find out some surprising facts about these birds that you might not know. Let’s get started!
All About Baby Mourning Doves
How Old Are Baby Mourning Doves?
Baby mourning doves grow up fast. They go through different stages of development, from hatchling to adult. Each stage has its own features and needs. Do you want to know more about them? In this section, you’ll learn how to tell how old a baby mourning dove is. You’ll also find out what they look like, how they behave, and how to care for them. Let’s take a look at each stage!
Hatchling: The First Week
A hatchling is a baby mourning dove that is less than one week old. It has very few feathers and looks mostly naked. Its eyes are closed, and it can’t keep itself warm. It depends on its parents for food and protection. A hatchling is very small and fragile, so you should be careful not to touch it or disturb its nest.
Nestling: The Second Week
A nestling is a baby mourning dove that is between one to two weeks old. It has more feathers than a hatchling, but it still looks undeveloped. Its eyes start to open, and it can make soft cooing sounds. It stays in the nest with its siblings and waits for its parents to feed it. A nestling is curious and may peek outside the nest, but it can’t fly yet.
Fledgling: The Third Week
A fledgling is a baby mourning dove that is around two to three weeks old. It has a full coat of feathers, but it might look clumsy in flight. It is adventurous and may explore outside the nest. It can fly short distances, but it still needs its parents to help it find food. A fledgling is learning how to survive on its own, but it may still return to the nest for safety.
Juvenile: The Fourth Week
A juvenile is a baby mourning dove that is around three to four weeks old. It looks like an adult dove, but it may still have some juvenile feathers. It can fly well and forage for food. It may join other doves in flocks and learn from them. A juvenile is almost independent, but it may still stay close to its parents.
Adult: The Fifth Week
An adult is a baby mourning dove that is around four to five weeks old. It has reached its full size and maturity. It can fly long distances and find food on its own. It may mate and start a family of its own. An adult is a self-sufficient and graceful bird that can live up to 10 years in the wild.
Bird Related Article:26 Black and White Birds From Around The World
How to Take Care of a Baby Mourning Dove?
How to Re-nest a Bird
The best thing you can do for a baby dove is to return it to its nest. This way, the parent doves can continue to feed and protect it. Here’s how to re-nest a bird:
- Ensure the bird is safe from predators. Keep your pets and children away from the bird. If possible, move it to a shaded and quiet area.
- Locate the original nest or create a makeshift nest. Look for the nest in nearby trees or bushes. If you can’t find it, you can make a nest using a shallow container with tissue or grass. Make sure the nest has drainage holes and is securely attached to a branch.
- Gently place the baby dove in the nest. Hold the bird with both hands and carefully lower it into the nest. Try not to touch the nest or the other eggs or chicks.
- Observe from a distance to see if the parent doves return. Stay at least 10 feet away from the nest and watch for the parent doves. They may take some time to come back, so be patient. If they don’t return after 2 hours, you may need to contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
How to Check a Baby Dove
Sometimes, a baby dove may need more than just re-nesting. It may be injured, sick, or orphaned. In that case, you need to check its health and provide some basic care. Here’s how to check a baby dove:
- Gently pick up the bird, wearing gloves to minimize human scent. Hold the bird in one hand and cover it with the other. This will keep it calm and warm. Avoid squeezing or shaking the bird.
- Check for injuries, swelling, or abnormalities. Look for any signs of bleeding, broken bones, wounds, or parasites. Also, check if the bird has any deformities, such as crossed beaks or splayed legs.
- Ensure the chick is warm and hydrated. A baby dove should feel warm to the touch. If it feels cold, you can warm it up by placing it in a box with a heating pad or a bottle of warm water. Make sure the bird can move away from the heat source if it gets too hot. To hydrate the bird, you can offer it some water using a dropper or a syringe. Do not force the water into its mouth, as it may choke or drown.
- If you notice any issues, consult a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian. A baby dove may need professional care if it has any serious injuries or illnesses. You can find a wildlife rehabilitator near you by visiting [this website]. Do not try to feed or treat the bird yourself, as you may harm it more.
How to Feed Baby Mourning Doves?
Baby mourning doves are delicate and need special care. If you want to feed them, you need to follow some guidelines. Here are some tips on how to feed baby mourning doves.
Make a Formula for Them
Baby mourning doves cannot eat solid food. They need a liquid formula that has the right nutrients. You can make a simple formula with these ingredients:
- Baby cereal
- Warm water
- Avian vitamins
- Calcium supplements
Mix one part baby cereal with three parts warm water. Stir it well until it becomes a smooth paste. Add a pinch of avian vitamins and calcium supplements. This will help the baby dove grow strong and healthy.
Use a Syringe or Eyedropper to Feed Them
You need to be gentle and careful when feeding baby mourning doves. Use a small syringe or eyedropper to feed them. Fill it with the formula and gently squeeze it into their mouth. Do not force-feed or feed too quickly. This can cause them to choke or inhale the formula. Feed them every two to three hours, depending on their age and size.
Do Not Store the Formula
The formula can spoil if you store it for too long. Make a fresh batch for each feeding. Throw away any leftover formula. Do not reuse it.
Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator
If you find a baby mourning dove that is injured or abandoned, do not try to raise it by yourself. You may not have the skills or resources to provide proper care. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. They can help the baby dove recover and return to the wild.
Learn Some Facts About Pigeons and Doves
Mourning doves are part of the pigeon family. Pigeons and doves are fascinating birds. Here are some facts about them:
- Pigeons and doves have excellent vision and can see colors.
- Pigeons and doves can recognize themselves in a mirror.
- Pigeons and doves can learn to use tools and solve problems.
- Pigeons and doves mate for life and share parental duties.
- Pigeons and doves can fly up to 60 miles per hour.
How Carrier Pigeons Changed History?
You may have seen pigeons in the city, but did you know that some of them are actually heroes? Carrier pigeons, also known as homing pigeons, are amazing birds that can find their way home from anywhere. They have been used to deliver important messages for centuries, even during wars and disasters.
Common Problems Faced by Baby Mourning Doves and Pigeons
Mourning doves are a type of pigeon that have a distinctive cooing sound. They are often seen in pairs or flocks, and they make their nests in trees or on buildings. However, baby doves and pigeons can face some challenges that need special care.
Splayed Legs
One of the most common problems is splayed legs. This is when the legs are not aligned properly, and the bird cannot stand or walk normally. This can happen because of poor nesting conditions, injuries, or genetic defects. Splayed legs can be treated with splints, bandages, or surgery, depending on the severity.
Trichomoniasis
Another problem that can affect doves and pigeons is trichomoniasis. This is a parasitic infection that can cause lesions in the mouth, throat, and crop of the bird. It can also spread to other organs and cause weight loss, weakness, and death. Trichomoniasis can be transmitted by contaminated food, water, or saliva. If you notice a bird with yellowish or cheesy growths in its mouth, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, it may have trichomoniasis. You should take it to a vet as soon as possible.
Fascinating Facts About Doves and Pigeons
Doves and pigeons are not only survivors, but also very interesting animals. Here are some facts that you may not know about them.
Ancient and Domesticated
Doves and pigeons have been around for a long time. They are among the oldest domesticated birds, dating back to 3000 BC. They have been kept by many civilizations, such as the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans, and the Chinese. They have been used for various purposes, such as messengers, passengers, racers, and even symbols of peace and love.
Smart and Loyal
Doves and pigeons are also very intelligent and loyal. They can recognize themselves in a mirror, and they can learn to perform tasks and solve problems. They can also remember faces, places, and routes. They have a strong bond with their mates, and they will stay together for life. They will also return to their home or owner, no matter how far they travel. That’s why they are called homing pigeons.
Diverse and Adaptable
Doves and pigeons are also very diverse and adaptable. There are over 300 species of doves and pigeons in the world, and they can be found in almost every habitat. They can range in size from the tiny ground dove, which is only 15 cm long, to the giant crowned pigeon, which is 75 cm long. They can also have different colors, patterns, and shapes. Some of them have fancy feathers, such as the fan-tailed pigeon, the frillback pigeon, and the Jacobin pigeon. If you’re interested in learning more about mourning doves, their life history, and the guidelines related to them, you can visit the official Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s page here.
FAQs:
Q1: How long do mourning dove babies stay in a nest?
Baby mourning doves stay in the nest for about two weeks, until they are ready to fly and leave the nest. They may still stay close to their parents and get fed by them for another week or two.
Q2: Can you touch a baby mourning dove?
It is best not to touch a baby mourning dove unless it is injured or in danger. Touching the bird may leave human scent on it, which could attract predators or make the parents abandon it. If you have to touch the bird, wear gloves and be gentle.
Q3: What does a baby mourning dove look like?
A baby mourning dove looks like a small, fluffy ball of feathers. It has a pinkish or yellowish beak and dark eyes. It may have white spots at the tips of its feathers. It grows very fast and soon resembles an adult dove.
Q4: What to do if I find a baby dove?
If you find a baby dove, first determine if it is a nestling or a fledgling. A nestling is a baby dove that is too young to leave the nest and has few or no feathers. A fledgling is a baby dove that is old enough to leave the nest and has most or all of its feathers. If you find a nestling, try to return it to its nest or make a makeshift nest for it. If you find a fledgling, leave it alone unless it is injured or in danger. In either case, contact a wildlife rehabilitator for advice.
Q5: Do both parents feed baby doves?
Yes, both male and female mourning doves feed their babies. They produce a special substance called crop milk in their throats, which they regurgitate into the mouths of their chicks. They also feed them seeds when they are older.
Q6: Should I remove the mourning dove nest?
No, you should not remove a mourning dove nest, unless it is absolutely necessary. Mourning doves may reuse their nests for multiple broods in a season, and they may return to the same nest in the following years. Removing the nest may disturb the birds and make them abandon their eggs or chicks. If you have to remove the nest, do it after the breeding season is over and there are no eggs or chicks in the nest.
Q7: What happens if one dove dies?
If one dove dies, the surviving mate may mourn for a while and then look for a new partner. Mourning doves are monogamous and mate for life, but they can also find a new mate if their partner dies or disappears. They may also adopt orphaned chicks or eggs from other doves.
Q8: What do you feed mourning doves?
Mourning doves are mainly seed-eaters. They feed on a variety of seeds, grains, nuts, fruits, and berries. They may also eat some insects, snails, and worms. They prefer to feed on the ground, but they may also visit bird feeders. You can attract mourning doves to your backyard by offering them sunflower seeds, millet, cracked corn, or safflower seeds.
Q9: Do doves mourn the loss of their babies?
Doves may show signs of grief when they lose their babies. They may stay near the nest, call for their chicks, or search for them. They may also become depressed, lose appetite, or stop singing. However, doves are resilient and can recover from their loss. They may try to breed again or adopt other chicks or eggs.
Q10: Do mourning doves sit on their babies after they hatch?
Yes, mourning doves sit on their babies after they hatch. They do this to keep them warm and protect them from predators. They also feed them crop milk and seeds. They take turns sitting on the nest, with the male dove taking the day shift and the female dove taking the night shift.
Q11: Do baby doves leave the nest at night?
No, baby doves do not leave the nest at night. They stay in the nest until they are ready to fledge, which is around two weeks after hatching. They may leave the nest during the day to practice flying and foraging, but they return to the nest at night to sleep and get fed by their parents.
