Photo by Debra Metcalf
MONTGOMERY-Doves are seen throughout Alabama year around. There are four species of dove commonly found in the state, mourning dove, white-winged dove, rock dove, and Eurasian collared-dove. The rock dove and Eurasian collared-dove are non-native species that have established breeding populations within Alabama. During late spring and early summer doves form pair bonds and initiate nesting. The peak nesting month for dove species in Alabama is June. Breeding pairs will build a nest on a flat-angled limb of a tree or bush. A female dove will typically lay two eggs and incubate them for approximately 14 days. After hatching, young doves, or squabs, are fed by both parents until they fledge at approximately 14 days old. When fledglings leave the nest, the parents may re-nest up to three more times throughout the summer and into early fall. You may already have dove nesting on your property, but if not, simply providing a bird feeder and/or bird bath can attract doves in your area.
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Media Release/Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
