Mourning Dove

Nest structure Plan and Information

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Mourning Dove
© Debbie McKenzie
Construction difficulty:
kid-friendly
simple

Download Nest Structure Plan

Species in decline

This species is in decline in certain regions. You can put up a nest box to help if you live in the right region and habitat.

  • Declining
  • Not declining
  • Not present
Source: USGS

Nesting Range

Mourning Dove Range Source: Birds of the World

Nesting Habitat

  • Forest
  • Grassland
  • Open Woodland
  • Town

Attach Nest Box To

  • Live tree

Known Nesting Period

Not Nesting
Some Nesting Occurrence
Nesting in Most of Range
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Source: Birds of the World

Nest Box Placement

Nest Height:
6ft
10ft

6–10 feet

Minimum Spacing:

1 cone per 2.5 acres

Facing:

Any

Helpful Tips

  • Place the nest cone in a shady part of the tree with branches overhead.
  • Use wire to secure the nest in a horizontal crotch of a tree limb.
  • Mourning Doves are versatile and will nest in a wide variety of situations. Although they do not need a nest cone per se, the cone does give them a solid base for their flimsy nest and may encourage them to nest in more convenient locations (e.g., away from one's potted plants).
  • Mourning Doves may nest two or three times in succession.

Did you know that NestWatch is seeking more data on this species?

Learn about Mourning Dove here.