Doves exhibit remarkable dedication to their offspring, with both parents actively participating in the incubation and subsequent care of their eggs and young. Their method ensures constant attention, making the nest a secure environment for development.
Dedicated Incubation by Both Parents
Doves are highly attentive parents, meticulously caring for their eggs from the moment they are laid. The incubation period for dove eggs typically spans approximately 14 days. This crucial time is managed with a shared responsibility between the male and female dove.
Shared Responsibilities for Egg Incubation
To ensure continuous warmth and protection for the developing embryos, both the male and female dove take active turns in incubating the eggs. This collaborative approach minimizes the time the nest is vulnerable or the eggs are left without warmth.
Parent | Incubation Duty |
---|---|
Male | Sits on the nest during the day |
Female | Takes her turn at night |
This diligent tag-team approach means the nest is rarely left unattended, significantly increasing the chances of successful hatching and safeguarding the delicate eggs from predators or environmental fluctuations.
Post-Hatching Care: Nourishing Squabs
While directly related to hatchlings rather than just eggs, it's important to note the continuation of specialized parental care mentioned in relation to doves' reproductive cycle. Once the eggs hatch, the young doves, known as squabs, are fed a unique and highly nutritious diet. For approximately the first 3 days after hatching, squabs are nourished with a special substance often referred to as “pigeon milk.” This nutrient-rich secretion, produced in the crop of both parent birds, provides essential sustenance for the squabs' rapid initial growth and development immediately after emerging from the egg.