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Birding/mourning dove hatchling

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Expert: - 7/4/2008


Question
I found a hatchling this am. Should I try and return it to the nest or keep it and try to feed it. If you say keep it..what should I feed it. I know they are ground feeders and like seed. Pleas help. Thank you.

Answer
If it is on the ground and pretty much covered with feathers, just leave it alone. THe parents will feed it onthe ground. The parents produce a special food intheir throat to feed the young; the young do not eat seeds. Do not try to raise it yourself.

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Roger Lederer

Expertise

Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.

Experience

Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.

Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico

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