Day 101: April 10th-The Mourning Dove Family

Sunny and mild, calm winds

       Alas, we have reached the final day of our Tuesday Bird Walks at Indian River Lagoon Preserve.  For three months now, we have gathered with a core group of intrepid birders joined by visitors to the area who wish to learn more about the birds and other wildlife of the Preserve.  Our able leader Don put his teaching skills to great use as we amassed a fine list of birds (and birders) over the winter. 

       I have mentioned on quite a few recent entries to this blog that the signs of spring are all around us and today is the epitome of these experiences, the birth of new individuals into this world.  Today’s entry was the Mourning dove.  MoDo’s as we affectionately call these very common birds, are prolific breeders.  These birds in Florida will often have as many as six broods a year.  

Young Mourning dove chick

       After being born, they will be cared for by both parents.  While most birds feed their young insects, worms, bugs, etc as a source of protein, doves actually feed their young "pigeon milk" which is produced in the crop of the birds.  During the breeding season, the walls of the crop secrete a milky fluid rich in fat and protein.  After the first few days of a diet of just this milk, the young are fed a mixture of the milk and seeds that are partially digested by the adult.  The mix is regurgitated and the young chicks eat their meals provided by the parent by sticking their bills into the corner of the parents bill.

The young dove chick takes the milk from its parent's bill 

       Once the doves have fledged, they will still remain near the adults for awhile, taking food from the parents until they have grown strong enough to be independent.

       We were indeed fortunate today to have one of our eagle-eyed birders spot the parent dove flying into the nest, a jumble of grass and twigs wedged into the “boot” of a palm tree.  The nest, low lying as is usually the case, provided visual access to the feeding and caring of the young.  We say to these little chicks, welcome to our world!