ieee AU DU. BOON RB Uc ET N 7 
discovered in the highest limbs of tall trees. Mourning doves do not show 
a tendency to be neighborly during nesting time. In the southern states, 
during the successive nesting seasons only twa functional nests were found 
in one tree at the same time. Four or five functional nests were often 
found in small clumps of trees or in open groves. This fact apparently 
was due to the excellence of the nesting site rather than any penchant for 
group placing. 
The nests are usually fiat-topped. There is a negligible elevation at the 
rims to prevent the eggs from rolling out. Loosely constructed, the nests 
are so ventilated that the eggs can be seen from below. 
Wind, rain and other weather elements do not cause much destruction 
since a few of the nests are used for two or three seasons. Most nests are 
constructed of weeds, roots, pine needles, and sticks, or whatever material 
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PHOTO 
Mourning dove on nest 
is at hand in the immediate vicinity. There is very little flying for building 
needs. Doves sometimes utilize old nests of other birds, such as the blue 
jays, mockingbirds and shrikes. However, a little fresh material is added 
to make the old nest nearly flat on top. Sometimes they go to housekeeping 
without making any alterations. Both sexes help to build, and they are on 
the job for several days. They work only a few hours early each morning 
and quit until the next day. Six or seven days may be used for a pair of 
doves to finish their domicile. 
One or two days may elapse after the nest is completed before egg-laying 
begins, but usually the first egg is laid on the day immediately following the 
building of the nest. On the day after the laying of the first a second one 
is laid, probably about 30 hours later. Two eggs only are generally laid 
for each brood. Three or four are rarely found in one nest, and at this 
time it is questionable whether a single bird lays three or more eggs for a 
clutch, or whether two females lay eggs in the nest. The eggs are ellipsoidal, 
white, and smooth, with little gloss. They are like the eggs of the common 
pigeon, only their size is smaller accordingly. Bob-white eggs are very 
little larger in comparison and at the small end are more pointed. 
