Mating Behavior of Doves

Doves are a part of the Columbidae bird family. The mourning dove, also known as the turtle dove, is the most abundant dove species in North America. Its population is sustained by prolific breeding -- dove couples can raise up to six squabs (hatched young) a year. Male doves begin the courtship process by flying noisily, puffing out their breasts and bobbing their heads. The primary function of these behaviors is to attract a monogamous female partner.

  1. Courtship

    • Unmated male doves court females through noisy flight. Upon landing, males typically sit on perches and let out perch-coos that are three to four notes long. In addition, males try to attract females by performing spiraling downward glides. These actions are specifically believed to be mating behaviors because of the way that they significantly decrease after males pair off. Once a male approaches a potential mate, he will bow and coo at the same time. Females will then respond by ignoring the offer, shying away or allowing copulation.

    Preening

    • Preening is a sign of imminent dove mating. Doves usually trim and dress their feathers first. Once they finish self-preening, they typically turn their attention to each other's feathers. The preening of a new mate usually begins at the wings and steadily moves to the neck and face. Once at the face, preening turns into billing, a behavior in which the two doves nibble each other's bills. Males will then mount a female's backside and begin the mating process.

    Nesting

    • After mating is completed, the male dove will lead the female to a variety of potential nesting sites. The site that is chosen is the one that the female responds positively to. The male then delivers grass, twigs and conifer needles to the female, allowing her to arrange the nest. Dove nests regularly take seven to 10 hours to construct. Males play an important role in defending the growing nest from other doves and avian species.

    Nest Protection

    • Dove nests frequently encounter the threat of predation. Therefore, the male typically stays around to help protect the young. When both parents are present, newborn squabs are much more likely to survive. The adult male has three general responses when a predator gets close to the nest: It feigns a broken wing (to divert attention from the nest), it flies away slowly (a low-intensity display) or it simply flees.