Doves build relatively flimsy nests from sticks and other debris, which may be placed in trees, on ledges, or on the ground. They lay one or two eggs, and both parents care for the young, which leave the nest after 7 to 28 days.
Nesting Dove
Previous post: Turtle With The Early Worm
Next post: Tulsa Zoo Brown Bear
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I was looking through the net for some info on nesting doves and found this site. We have just moved into a new house and noticed the doves had built a nest in the rafter of our outdoor area. For several days they alternated sitting on the two eggs in the nest but after a few days abandoned the sitting but just looked down at us from another rafter nearby. We were getting concerned about the eggs as they had now gone for several days without any parent sitting on them. I thought maybe all the noise had scared them off and that they would not settle because of that. Several days after we arrived, and a couple of days after they abandoned their vigil on the nest, our cats arrived and unfortunately one of them got one of the doves. The other dove continues to return and sit on another rafter just looking. Could you give me some insight into why they abandoned their vigil on t he nest when we came and what should we do with the two little eggs in the nest?
I’m not a bird expert but I have seen where the birds appeared to have abandoned the nest but later I saw them sitting on the eggs. I’m not sure you will be able to help, but you could see if you have a wildlife rehab place near your area and see if they can help.
Good luck!
Our doves have the nest and Mom is sitting there but no sign of the dad for two day’s?? What can I do to help her and not scare her?? Would she just starve if i don’t do something???
Thank’s
Dianne
Dianne, I’m no expert but I would think she would be just find and does not need any help.
I have a pair of doves that build a nest on the top of my outdoor fan each year. Needless to say, this is not a good place. In the past, whenever I see them bringing building materials for the nest I cover the fan and provide for them a concave cover. This has worked in the past but I would like a better, more permanent nesting place for them. Everytime we go out the door it disturbs them so I want an alternative site in the same general area. Any suggestions?
Joyce, I’m not sure what you can do about that problem. I guess I would just keep blocking them and hope they get the hint.
Good luck
I have nesting doves in a small palm tree near my front door.
I think some eggs have hatched in the last couple days.
I was saddened to see the male dove had been hit by a car this morning
and killed. Is there anything i can throw under the tree for food to feed
her so she doesn’t have to go far from the nest?
Bill
Bill, I would just spread some bird seeds around on the ground.