Dove Parenting and Mate Loss Reveal Complex Social Behaviors

Doves practice shared parental care, with both male and female taking turns incubating eggs. The female may briefly leave the nest for short periods to forage, preen, stretch, or defecate, typically minimizing exposure of the eggs to temperature changes or predators. Such brief absences are normal and support the adult birds' energy needs and nest hygiene.

Mourning doves, a species known for forming long‑term pair bonds, experience noticeable grief when a mate dies. The surviving dove may linger near the death site, increase calling, show agitation, reduce feeding and preening, and become less vigilant against predators. This disruption can affect the breeding season, though the dove can eventually form a new pair bond and resume chick rearing if conditions allow.