The Mourning Dove is found across southern Canada, throughout USA and Mexico to Panama. In Alberta, it is widespread in the agricultural regions from the Peace River country southward. It needs access to water for drinking purposes. Unlike most birds, pigeons and doves drink by sucking up, like a horse.
In Alberta, Mourning Doves normally are summer residents, most commonly seen in rural areas, usually near trees, often farm shelterbelts. A few will live in urban areas. Within Calgary, in summer, they are regularly seen in Beaverdam Flats Park as well as in the Weaselhead Natural Area. They will visit backyard feeders equipped with a birdbath. In recent years a few have overwintered, perhaps due to global warming, as in the Maple Ridge area of Calgary from 1998 to 2002. Migrants arrive in late March. Most depart by October.
The diet of Mourning Dove is varied. In Alberta, much of its food is spilled grain and weed seeds. It also consumes many insects. Elsewhere, acorns and other soft-shelled tree fruits are popular items.
It usually nests solitarily in trees, mostly conifers, or in shrubs. An abandoned nest of other species such as American Robin may be used in early spring. It has been seen to take possession of a newly constructed Cedar Waxwings nest. Occasionally, it nests on the ground. When constructing its own nest, it makes a shallow platform consisting of fine twigs. Often the eggs can be seen through it from below. Only two are laid. Both sexes incubate: the male by day, the female at night. Incubation lasts 14-15 days. The babies are attended by both adults, one of which is usually at the nest most of the time. The young birds fledge at about two weeks of age. Usually, two or more broods are produced annually.
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Where to find Mourning Doves in Alberta
Mourning Doves are common in Weaselhead from late May to early October. Look for them especially in tall poplars on the valley floor and on the north facing south escarpment. They often perch near the tops of snags at dawn and dusk. Brent Johner
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