Mourning Dove Eggs: Size, Color, Incubation Time, and Hatching Facts
Mourning dove eggs are small, smooth, and plain white, and they usually hatch about 14 to 15 days after incubation begins. A typical clutch contains two eggs, and both parents share incubation duties to keep them warm almost continuously.
What Do Mourning Dove Eggs Look Like?
Mourning dove eggs are easy to identify once you know what to look for. They are oval, slightly glossy, and pure white with no spots or markings.
Each egg measures about 1.1 inches long and 0.8 inches wide. Compared with many songbird eggs, mourning dove eggs look especially simple and clean.
A typical clutch contains exactly two eggs, usually laid one to two days apart. Because mourning dove nests are loosely built, the white eggs may sometimes be visible through small gaps in the twigs.
How Long Do Mourning Dove Eggs Take to Hatch
Mourning dove eggs usually take 14 to 15 days to hatch after incubation begins in earnest. In most cases, incubation starts after the second egg is laid, which helps both eggs develop on the same schedule.
This short incubation period is one of the most searched facts about mourning doves. Once both parents settle into regular incubation, hatching usually follows within about two weeks.
If you are watching a nest, the best sign that hatching is near is consistent parental attendance. When one or both adults sit tightly on the eggs most of the day and night, the hatch window is usually closed.
Mourning Dove Egg Incubation Timeline
The incubation process follows a fairly consistent pattern.
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Days 1–2: The female lays two eggs, usually one per day.
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Days 2–3: Incubation begins after the second egg is laid.
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Days 3–7: Early embryo development continues while the parents alternate turns.
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Days 8–13: Growth speeds up, and the eggs are kept at a stable temperature.
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Days 14–15: Hatching occurs, usually within a short window.
The eggs need steady warmth during this period, so the adults rarely leave them unattended for long. That constant care helps mourning doves succeed with multiple broods in a single season.
How Mourning Dove Parents Care for the Eggs
Both parents incubate mourning dove eggs. The male usually covers the nest during much of the day, while the female often takes the night shift and early morning hours.
This division of labor helps maintain stable conditions without forcing either parent to stay on the nest nonstop. It also allows both birds to feed and drink while still protecting the eggs.
When one adult leaves briefly, the other often remains nearby. That near-continuous coverage is important because the eggs are vulnerable to cooling, predators, and disturbance.
What Affects Egg Survival
Several factors can affect whether mourning dove eggs hatch successfully.
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Predators such as crows, jays, squirrels, snakes, and domestic cats.
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Cold weather, heavy rain, or strong wind.
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A nest that is too exposed or unstable.
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Frequent human disturbance near the nesting site.
Mourning doves adapt well to human environments, but active nests still need quiet. Even short interruptions can matter if the weather is harsh or predators are active.
How Many Eggs Do Mourning Doves Lay
Mourning doves almost always lay two eggs per clutch. That small clutch size is one reason the species can move quickly from nesting to hatching and repeat the process several times in a season.
In warmer regions, a pair may raise several broods during the breeding season. The short incubation period and fast nesting cycle help explain why mourning doves are so successful across North America.
What Happens After the Eggs Hatch
Once the eggs hatch, the chicks are called squabs. They are featherless, blind, and completely dependent on their parents at first.
For the first few days, both adults feed them a nutrient-rich secretion called crop milk. As the squabs grow, they gradually transition to a seed-based diet.
Squabs usually remain in the nest for about 12 to 15 days before fledging. After that, the parents may continue feeding them for a short period while the young birds learn to forage.
FAQs About Mourning Dove Eggs
What color are mourning dove eggs?
They are pure white and usually have no markings.
How many eggs are in a mourning dove clutch?
A typical clutch contains two eggs.
How long do mourning dove eggs take to hatch?
They usually hatch in 14 to 15 days after incubation begins.
Do mourning dove eggs hatch at the same time?
Usually, yes, or within about 24 hours of each other.
Can you touch mourning dove eggs?
It is best not to. Disturbance can stress the parents and may increase the risk of abandonment.
How can you tell if mourning dove eggs are close to hatching?
The adults sit very tightly on the nest, and hatching usually follows within a day or two.
Conclusion
Mourning doves are wonderful birds acknowledged for their simple nesting behavior, prolific breeding, and dedicated parenting. Their fragile nests, constructed with minimal substances, replicate their adaptability to various environments.
For backyard birdwatchers, understanding mourning dove nesting habits makes it easier to observe them responsibly. If you want to help, provide a quiet space, a safe nesting shelf, and watch from a respectful distance.
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2 comments
Sparrows, I think, were nesting on an eve under our deck. They vaccated the nest. About 10 days later, mourning doves are rebuilding the nest! I’m thrilled! We moved to PA recently leaving my beloved mourning doves in NJ. …. I like to think they moved here to be close to me!
Wonderful and helpful article. On our patio in an urn filled with dirt waiting for flowers to be planted in it. I’m hoping that the landscapers know how to handle this situation.
