Breeding behavior of immature mourning doves

Journal of Wildlife Management
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Abstract

Some immature mourning doves (Zenaidura mncroura) are capable of breeding in their first (calendar) year of life. The breeding activities of immatures observed in this study included calling, copulating, and nesting. Development of sexual structures such as cloacal papillae, oviduct openings, and gonads was also regarded as evidence of breeding potential. Immatures were identified principally by white-tipped wing coverts. Sexes were distinguished by behavioral characteristics. Males coo, perform flights, carry nest material, and attend nests during the day and females attend nests at night. Immatures were involved in at least ten nestings on two areas near Tucson, Arizona, in 1963. Five young fledged from these nests.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Breeding behavior of immature mourning doves
Series title Journal of Wildlife Management
Volume 30
Issue 3
Year Published 1966
Language English
Contributing office(s) Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Description 598-604
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Journal of Wildlife Management
First page 598
Last page 604
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