You’ve likely heard their soft, sorrowful coo-oo-oo drifting through your garden in the morning. Or perhaps you’ve seen them perched side-by-side on a telephone wire, looking like the perfect couple.
This often leads bird lovers to ask: Do Mourning Doves really mate for life?
The short answer is yes. These gentle birds are among the most devoted partners in the animal kingdom. But their loyalty goes far beyond just "sticking together." Their partnership is a masterclass in teamwork and co-parenting.
Here are 5 fascinating facts about the loyalty of the Mourning Dove that will make you appreciate these garden visitors even more.
1. They Are (Almost) 100% Monogamous
Unlike many other bird species that find a new mate every breeding season, Mourning Doves typically form a strong pair bond that lasts for the entire year, and often, for their entire lives.
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The Ritual: When a male courts a female, it’s a serious commitment. Once she accepts him, they will preen each other’s feathers (a behavior called allopreening) to cement their bond.
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Fidelity: While "divorce" can happen if they fail to produce eggs, generally, if you see a pair together, they are "married" for the long haul.
2. The "Dad" is a Super-Parent
In the bird world, it’s common for the female to do most of the heavy lifting. Not so with Mourning Doves. The male is incredibly involved.
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The Shift Work: They have a strict schedule for incubating eggs. The male typically takes the "day shift" (from mid-morning to late afternoon), while the female takes the "night shift."
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This ensures the eggs are never left alone, and it shows a level of trust and cooperation that is rare in the wild.
3. They Return to the Same "Home" Together
Mourning Doves are creatures of habit. If a pair successfully raises a brood in your garden, there is a very high chance they will return to the exact same nesting site—and sometimes the exact same nest—the following year.
This site fidelity (philopatry) is why creating a safe, stable environment is so important. Providing a reliable source of fresh water (like a stable bird bath) and food tells them that your garden is a safe permanent home for their family. Once they trust your space, they become regular tenants.
4. They Both Produce "Milk"
This is one of the most unique facts about Doves. Both the male and female produce a special substance called "Crop Milk" (or Pigeon Milk) in their throats to feed their hatchlings.
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It is rich in protein and fat, allowing the babies to grow at an explosive rate.
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Because both parents can produce this food, they share the feeding duties equally.
5. They Grieve Their Partners
The name "Mourning Dove" comes from their sad sound, but it also fits their behavior. If a Mourning Dove loses its mate, it often takes a significant amount of time before finding a new one. Some observers have noted solitary doves returning to places where they used to sit with their partner, appearing to wait for them.
Conclusion
Mourning Doves are more than just background noise in your backyard; they are symbols of devotion, teamwork, and family. Knowing how hard they work to raise their families makes hosting them even more rewarding. By offering a simple place to drink and rest, you become part of their loyal partnership.