Expert: Roger Lederer - 8/21/2007

Question
I live in southern California>I had two morning doves tending to a nest and egg above my door. There was a baby 3 days ago. I saw them feeding it. Then the next day the mom or dad was sitting outside the nest bobbing it's head. That is when I thought something was wrong. It seemed sad. Then a bit later there was no parent up by the nest. They were down on the ground by my walkway. Then they left completely today. And there are flies up by the nest.
Would a bird die after being alive for a day? Do I need to not use my front door and give them more privacy if there is a next time? Do you have a guess as to what happened. I guess because morning doves seem so peaceful and they do the whole process as a couple it saddens me that the baby did not make it. Thanks, Sasha

Answer
Yes, a baby bird can die after one day - that is not unusual, in fact. Mortality among young birds is very high. If you used your front door a lot, it could have been the cause for the death as frequent disturbance interferes with incubation, feeding, etc. By the way, they are called Mourning Doves (not morning) because of their plaintive call. Thanks for your concern.