Mourning Dove Nest

The Mourning Doves coo may sound sad, but bird watchers know it signals
the beginning of this birds habits of nesting, claiming territory, and raising young.

The nest was built in the past few days on top of our hose reel in the back yard.
The male and female are taking turns sitting on the nest.
Zoomed in photo of the mourning dove on the nest.

A loosely built nest of twigs, grass, weeds and pine needles.make up the nesting materials
Doves use. In fact, this loose pile of twigs is so lightly
put together that often you can see through it from the bottom.

If the Dove is startled and flies off the nest too quickly, the eggs could fall from the nest.
Bird watchers would be wise to wait until the eggs have hatched before approaching any nest.
Nest abandonment is very common with these birds.
If they feel any threat from predators whether human or animal, they may go elsewhere to nest abandoning both eggs and nestlings.

The nest can be found 5-25 feet above the ground,
often in the crotch of a shrub or tree.
Laying 2 white eggs that are incubated for 14-15 days.
The young will leave the nest in 12-14 days.

Mourning Doves have been known to reuse the same nest for
five sets of eggs in a single season.
Usually 2 - 3 broods are raised each season.