Wintering biology of Mourning Doves, Zenaida macroura, in Ontario

Abstract

Mourning Dove, Zenaida macroura, populations in Ontario contain both migratory and non-migratory birds. Wintering doves often suffer damage to their feet, and moulting of immature and second-year doves declines or ceases during winter. Doves are overwintering in Ontario in increasing numbers, probably as a result of increasing availability of food supplies. Greatest early winter densities are found along northern Lake Erie and southern Lake Huron.