The mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) is a common bird found throughout much of the United States. Despite their widespread presence, there is some debate over whether mourning doves should be considered an invasive species in parts of the country. In this article, we’ll take a look at the evidence surrounding the potential invasiveness of mourning doves in the US.
What are mourning doves?
Mourning doves are a medium-sized dove species native to North America. They are easily identifiable by their long, pointed tails, soft gray plumage, and distinctive cooing vocalizations. Mourning doves are found in a variety of open and semi-open habitats, including rural areas, suburbs, and even urban parks and gardens.
Some key facts about mourning doves:
- Scientific name: Zenaida macroura
- Average length: 9-13 inches
- Average wingspan: 16-17 inches
- Average weight: 4-6 oz
- Lifespan: 1-5 years
- Diet: Seeds, grain, berries
Mourning doves are socially monogamous, mating for life. Their nests are simple platforms of twigs, stems, and grass. Female doves lay 2 white eggs which hatch after about 2 weeks. Both parents share brooding and feeding responsibilities. Doves may raise up to 6 broods per year.
Are mourning doves native to the US?
Yes, mourning doves are native to the United States. They are found naturally across most of North America, including:
- Eastern United States
- Midwest and Great Plains states
- Western United States
- Southwestern states like Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas
- Pacific Coast states
Fossil evidence indicates that mourning doves have existed in North America for at least 2 million years. Studies of mourning dove genetics and morphology also confirm that they originated here.
Mourning doves are well-adapted to a variety of North American ecosystems. Features like their small size, opportunistic diets, ability to raise multiple broods, and migratory flexibility have allowed them to thrive across the continent over time.
Have mourning doves spread beyond their native range?
Yes, over the past few centuries mourning doves have dramatically expanded their range thanks to human influences. Here are some key ways mourning doves have spread:
- Habitat modification: Forest clearing and agriculture provided new nesting areas.
- Supplemental feeding: Bird feeders, spilled grain from farms, and urban trash have increased food availability.
- Reduced competition: Hunting and other human activities decreased competing species like passenger pigeons.
- Climate change: Warmer winters have allowed northward expansion.
Today, mourning doves can be found across almost all of the lower 48 states year-round, as this range map indicates:
![Mourning dove range map](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/47/Zenaida_macroura_map.svg/1024px-Zenaida_macroura_map.svg.png) |
Mourning dove range map – Shaded areas show permanent (dark) and summer (light) presence. Source: Wikipedia |
Their expanded range includes many non-native areas such as New England, the Pacific Northwest, and California. So in that sense, mourning doves can be considered invasive in parts of the US outside their original native territory.
What impact do mourning doves have in expanded ranges?
Mourning doves’ impacts in their expanded ranges are complex. Here are some potential effects:
Positive Impacts
- Prey base: Doves provide a food source for native predators like falcons and hawks.
- Seed dispersal: Their digestive tracts help spread native plant seeds.
- Guano fertilization: Dove droppings can fertilize soils.
- Human enjoyment: Mourning doves are welcomed by many as a beautiful backyard bird.
Negative Impacts
- Crop damage: Large flocks can damage grain, fruit, and seed crops.
- Native competition: May compete with birds like quail and woodpeckers for food and nest sites.
- Non-native disease: Carry diseases like trichomoniasis deadly to some native doves.
- Nuisance: Some consider them noisy pests, especially at bird feeders.
Overall, most sources conclude that mourning doves’ beneficial roles outweigh their detrimental effects in expanded ranges. But more research is still needed, as local impacts can vary.
Are mourning doves considered an invasive species?
Whether mourning doves are definitively considered an “invasive species” is debatable among scientists and wildlife managers. Here are some key perspectives:
- Not listed federally: Mourning doves are not on the US national invasive species list.
- Some states/regions: Listed as invasive by a few states like Hawaii and some New England areas.
- Native invaders: Some argue they should be termed “native invaders” since they originated here but spread via human activity.
- Benefits outweigh harms: Their ecological benefits in new areas counter the criteria for being invasive.
Given this mixed consensus, mourning doves occupy a gray area between native, invasive, and introduced species classifications. Their long-standing presence across much of the US complicates definitive labels. Context is important – they may be considered invasive in certain locales but neutral or beneficial in others.
How are mourning dove populations and distributions managed?
State wildlife agencies use various strategies to manage mourning dove populations, distributions, and potential impacts:
- Hunting regulations – Season length and bag limits control population sizes.
- Habitat management – Conservation programs provide nesting/feeding habitat.
- Supplemental food – Reducing artificial food sources may limit overabundance.
- Research funding – Tracking demographics and range changes informs policies.
- Regional planning – Coordinating across states to control problematic concentrations.
Additionally, the US Fish and Wildlife Service oversees monitoring and conservation initiatives for mourning doves under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Overall, their flexible management strategies aim for balance rather than eliminating mourning doves’ non-native populations entirely.
Mourning dove hunting regulations by state
Mourning dove hunting is permitted in 40 states as a population control method. Season dates and bag limits vary by state, as this table indicates:
State | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit |
---|---|---|
Alabama | Sep – Jan | 15 |
Alaska | No season | N/A |
Arizona | Sep – Dec | 15 |
Conclusion
In summary, mourning doves occupy an ecological gray area when it comes to invasive species status in the US. Their native origin but expanded range makes definitive classification challenging. While they can potentially impact native species in some regions, their overall ecological benefits seem to outweigh their drawbacks. With flexible management policies in place, mourning doves remain a successful native North American bird adapted to live closely among humans. Their graceful beauty and soothing coos will likely continue welcoming summer for years to come.