Mourning Dove

Overview

Doves are seed eaters that prefer bare ground or lightly littered surfaces; they are mobile and congregate seasonally. Fields must be timed so seed availability peaks near planned hunts. 

Natural History

Food

Crop, weed, and grass seeds. 

Cover

Nests usually in trees (often evergreens like pine/cedar); occasionally on ground. 

Reproduction

Frequent nesting (5–6 times per year); 2 eggs per nest; incubation ~14 days; young fledge in 13–15 days. 

Home Range & Survival

Nesting birds may feed up to 1 mile from nest; ≈60% annual mortality. 

Habitat Requirements

Seed fields with bare ground access; manage weeds so seeds are accessible; avoid thick grass thatch that buries seed. 

Management Recommendations

Plant sunflower, corn, milo, buckwheat, millet, wheat; prepare strips 1–2 weeks before hunts; mow high or burn to expose seed; rotate fields and use herbicides to control crabgrass/fall panicum.