Expert: Roger Lederer - 6/5/2007

Question
We have watched mourning doves build a nest, lay eggs, take turns watching over them, and then hatch for the past 3 weeks.  For the past 4 days we have seen only daddy dove take his turn, and the hatchlings left alone when he is out.  2 days ago we found one hatchling dead in the nest, but the other still seemed to thrive.  We burried the first and daddy dove came back and took watch over the 2nd.  Then this afternoon (after being alert but alone this morning) the second was found dead when daddy dove was out.  What are possible reasons?  Is the incidence of hatchling death high?  Why did momma not come back?

Answer
Well, I can't give you an exact answer, but mortality among young Mourning Doves from hatching to their first winter is about 69%. If the female disappeared, she may have died or been eaten. Mortality among adult doves is 58%! Mortality of birds in general is very high and this is not an unusual case. Sad, but not unusual. Roger Lederer at Ornithology.com