When Do Mourning Doves Lay Eggs?

They start building nests very early in the spring season and continue as late as October. Even in the far north, they may start their first nest as early as March. In southern states, doves may begin nesting in February or even January.

How many times a year does a dove lay eggs?

Mourning doves have three broods a year. The female lays two eggs — one in the morning and one at night — and then the father sits on the nest during the day and the mother takes the night shift.

What time of year do mourning doves mate?

The peak of the breeding season is April - July although they may breed as late as October in some areas. Pairs stay together (monogamous) through the season and some may pair up in following seasons. Many of our visitors have shared some unusual nesting sites that doves have used and how they dealt with things.

Elena Rostova

Elena Rostova

Lead Health, Wellness & Medical Journalist

Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.