Baby doves, or squabs, are small, fluffy, and covered in soft down feathers, typically pale in color, with closed eyes and a plump body.
Baby doves, particularly mourning doves, have distinct physical characteristics that change rapidly during their early development. These delicate birds go from helpless hatchlings to fledglings ready to leave the nest in just 2-3 weeks. Understanding their appearance helps bird enthusiasts identify and protect these vulnerable nestlings.
Newborn Mourning Dove Characteristics
Freshly hatched mourning doves are completely dependent on their parents for survival. Their initial appearance differs significantly from adult doves.
Physical Features at Hatching
- Covered in sparse ivory-colored down feathers
- Eyes remain closed for several days
- Short, soft beaks ideal for receiving crop milk
- Pinkish skin visible through thin down
- Disproportionately large heads compared to bodies
Size and Weight
| Age | Weight | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 5-7 grams | 1-1.5 inches |
| 1 week | 25-30 grams | 3-4 inches |
Development During First Two Weeks
Mourning dove nestlings undergo dramatic changes in their first 14 days. Bird watchers using quality binoculars can observe these transformations without disturbing the nest.
Feather Growth Timeline
- Days 3-5: Pin feathers begin emerging through down
- Days 6-8: Wing feathers become visible
- Days 9-12: Body covered in fluffy juvenile plumage
- Days 13-14: Nearly fully feathered with adult-like appearance
Behavioral Changes
As noted by Birds & Blooms, young doves become increasingly active in the nest. By day 10, they may stand and exercise their wings in preparation for fledging.
Fledgling Mourning Doves
At approximately 12-14 days old, baby doves leave the nest but remain dependent on parents for another 1-2 weeks.
Identifying Features
- White-tipped feathers (absent in adults)
- Facial markings more pronounced than adults
- Shorter tails compared to mature doves
- Clumsy flight patterns as they develop coordination
Parental Care After Fledging
Both parents continue feeding fledglings, gradually transitioning them from crop milk to seeds. This period is critical for survival as young doves learn foraging skills.
Comparing Mourning Dove Chicks to Other Species
While mourning doves are common across North America, their chicks differ from other dove species:
Rock Pigeon Chicks
Pigeon nestlings have thicker yellow down and develop more slowly, remaining in the nest for 25-32 days according to Audubon Society research.
Eurasian Collared-Dove Chicks
These invasive doves produce chicks with grayer down and faster development rates than mourning doves.
Observing Baby Doves Safely
For bird enthusiasts wanting to observe nesting doves, consider these tips:
- Use long-range binoculars to maintain distance
- Limit observation time to avoid stressing parents
- Never handle eggs or nestlings unless absolutely necessary
- Document changes with photos from a respectful distance
Understanding baby dove appearance helps birders identify nests and contribute to conservation efforts. Their rapid development from helpless hatchlings to independent birds in just 3-4 weeks is one of nature’s remarkable transformations.
