*Oology is a branch of ornithology studying bird eggs, nests and breeding behaviour. The word is derived from the Greek oion, meaning egg.
15. Mourning Dove
This part of the Stanislaus Audubon Website is focused on 44 common Central Valley nesting species with background about their nesting habits. Please check the Great Valley Museum Central Valley Egg Collection starting page for links to all the featured species.
MOURNING DOVE NESTING INFORMATION (From birdsoftheworld.org)
Nests - Pair formation can occur throughout the year on southern end of range. Pair bonds may persist through entire nesting season and through winter. Simple platform nest is constructed in 2-4 days on average and may be further reduced by frequent reuse of existing mourning dove nests as well as nests of other birds. Nest primarily at woodland or grassland edge, usually in trees but readily on ground in absence of suitable trees or shrubs. Once nest site is chosen, male selects small twigs, etc., and delivers them to the female while standing on her back. She arranges them around her while using her body to form simple bowl.
Eggs - Short subelliptical to elliptical. White, no markings. Clutch size is normally two eggs.
Incubation - Incubation period lasts 14 d.
Fledging - Young are altricial leaving the nest after 13 days. Squabs fed by regurgitation. Both squabs usually fed equal amounts, often at same time by inserting bills in each side of parent's mouth. Both parents feed primarily crop milk for first 3–4 d posthatching
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