6 THE? A UID U BON BU Lou ile 
Depending upon weather conditions, late in February or early in March 
mourning doves enter the nesting season, which continues through the sum- 
mer and until mid-October, when the last fledgling is launched. In most 
localities the nesting season seems to be fairly uniform. 
Three successful broods are often completed by doves. More successful 
ones are possibly attempted during the long season. A month’s time is 
required in the building of the nest, incubation, and care of young birds. 
A pair of birds can nest five or six times during the mating season. Nest- 
lings hatched in the spring may reach maturity and begin to nest in the 
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PHOTO 
Nest and eggs of mourning dove 
summer. Many reach maturity and start nesting in August and September 
of the same year. A female nestling was hatched early in spring and later 
confined with an adult male, and two eggs were laid in August. 
Nesting sites are generally in trees along the field or pasture edges, or 
other clearings. Nests are infrequently placed in dark wooded groves. 
Isolated trees and shade trees near houses are favorite places. Unusual 
places are on the ground and in stumps of trees. Of 680 nests observed, 
approximately 84 per cent were located in short-leaf and loblolly pines. 
Many other varieties of trees were used also, in proportion to the abundance 
and suitable locations of each species. Horizontal limbs and trees without 
heavy leafy foliage were favorite sites. Easy approach and departure are 
apparently elements in site selection. The majority of the nests were found 
at heights varying from ten to thirty feet above the ground, but a few were 
