Mourning Dove
(Zenaida macroura)
Mourning doves are popular game birds which feed upon grains and seeds. Nests are loosely constructed with twigs. They are usually built in trees, shrubs, cacti, or on the ground. Most breeding and nesting activity occurs between March and September. A 13-14 day incubation period is followed by a 12-14 day nestling period. Mourning doves occur at all elevations. They have adapted well to man’s intrusion upon their environment but their population trend is declining in the western states for unknown reasons.
