Mourning doves are a common bird species found throughout much of North America. They are known for their mournful cooing sound and are a popular game bird. However, in recent years there have been increasing reports of large numbers of mourning doves dying off. This has raised alarm among ornithologists and conservationists.
There are several potential factors that could be contributing to the declining mourning dove population:
Habitat Loss
One of the major threats facing mourning doves is loss of habitat. Mourning doves nest on the ground in areas with thick underbrush. As natural areas are converted to farms, housing, and commercial developments, there is less suitable habitat available for mourning doves to nest and take cover. They are being squeezed out of their natural range.
Climate Change
Some research indicates that climate change may also be taking a toll on mourning dove populations. Rising temperatures appear to be increasing mortality in mourning dove chicks and reducing nesting success rates. Hotter, drier conditions may be reducing food supplies and forcing mourning doves to nest in less than ideal areas.
Disease
Disease is a potential factor in mourning dove die-offs. One parasite called Trichomoniasis can cause lesions in the mouth and throat that eventually prevent mourning doves from eating properly. West Nile Virus, Salmonella, bird flu, and other diseases may also be weakening some mourning dove populations. Diseases spread more rapidly when birds are concentrated in smaller areas due to habitat loss.
Predation
With the decline of their habitat, mourning doves are more exposed to predators than they once were. Nest predators such as raccoons, skunks, snakes, and domestic cats take a heavy toll on mourning dove eggs and fledglings. Some experts estimate over 70% of mourning dove nests fail due to predation.
Human Activity
Human structures and activities account for many mourning dove deaths. Windows kill hundreds of millions of birds each year as they crash into the glass. Cars and trucks also hit and kill birds. Power lines and cell phone towers take a toll. Birds can become entangled in netting or litter. The use of pesticides reduces food supplies for doves. Even domestic cats allowed outdoors prey on mourning doves.
Mourning Dove Population Decline Numbers
The overall mourning dove population has plummeted over the last several decades:
| Year | Estimated Population |
|---|---|
| 1966 | 350 million |
| 2014 | 143 million |
As you can see from the table, the mourning dove population declined by over 50% in just under 50 years. The rate of decline appears to be accelerating.
State wildlife agencies have also noted sharp declines in their mourning dove population surveys:
| State | Population Change |
|---|---|
| Arizona | -75% (2002-2020) |
| Maryland | -60% (2003-2020) |
| Minnesota | -66% (2000-2018) |
| New York | -71% (2004-2019) |
These are very significant decreases over a short period of time. Arizona’s mourning dove population crashed by 75% in less than 20 years. Other states are seeing similar trends.
Why the Decline Matters
The loss of mourning doves is troubling for several reasons:
Ecological Role
Mourning doves play an important role in seed dispersal. They eat a variety of weed seeds, grains, nuts, and berries. Their hardy digestive system allows seeds consumed by mourning doves to pass through and spread over wide areas through their droppings. Declining dove numbers disrupt this seed dispersal network.
Prey Base
As a common bird, mourning doves are an important prey species for many predators. Declining dove numbers means less food available for raptors like peregrine falcons and Cooper’s hawks, many of which are also species of concern. Snakes, bobcats, foxes, raccoons, and other animals also prey on mourning doves.
Hunting
Mourning doves are the most commonly hunted migratory game bird in North America. On average, over 20 million mourning doves are harvested by hunters each year. Fewer doves means less opportunity for hunters across the continent.
Monitoring
Scientists use mourning doves as an “indicator species” to monitor the health of ecosystems. Their populations signal problems impacting hundreds of other bird species.
How to Help Mourning Doves
Here are some ways you can help support mourning dove populations:
Create Habitat
Plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers that provide seeds, berries, cover, and nesting sites. Avoid pruning underbrush where doves nest. Leave brush piles as shelter.
Provide Food & Water
Supplement natural food sources by setting up bird feeders with seeds, grain, and fruit. Ensure fresh water access through bird baths and fountains.
Limit Pesticide Use
Reduce or eliminate pesticide use which poisons doves and decreases insect food sources. Promote natural insect control instead.
Keep Cats Indoors
Cats allowed outdoors kill hundreds of millions of birds annually. For doves’ sake, keep cats inside.
Make Windows Safer
Install window films, screens, or decals to prevent bird collisions. Place bird feeders and baths at least 30 feet from windows.
Support Conservation Groups
Donate to and volunteer with organizations focused on habitat protection, research, rescue, and education. Popular groups include the National Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, and local birding clubs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mourning dove populations have declined significantly over the past several decades. This appears to be driven by habitat loss, climate change, disease, predation, and human activities. The reasons for the decline are complex and more research is needed. But it is clear that the loss of mourning doves can have cascading ecological impacts. With prompt action to protect and restore habitat, limit pesticide use, and make man-made structures more bird friendly, we can help reverse mourning dove declines and protect songbird populations. Everyone can get involved by creating dove-friendly spaces in their own backyards.
