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Mourning Dove nesting habitat and nest success in Central Missouri

Journal of Field Ornithology
By: , , , and 

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Abstract

Previous Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) nesting studies conducted in areas containing a mixture of edge and continuous habitats have focused on edge habitats. Consequently, little is known about the potential contribution of continuous habitats to dove production. In this study we evaluated the relative importance of these two extensive habitat types by monitoring the habitat use and nest success of 59 radio-marked doves during 1990-1991 in central Missouri. Of 83 nests initiated by our marked sample, most (81.9%) were located in edge habitats. Although continuous habitats were selected less as nest sites, the proportion of successful nests did not differ significantly from that in edge habitats. Our data indicate that continuous habitats should not be considered marginal nesting habitat. If the intensity of use and nest success that we observed are representative regionally or nationally, continuous habitats could contribute substantially to annual Mourning Dove production because of the high availability of these habitats throughout much of the Mourning Dove breeding range.

Suggested Citation

Drobney, R., Schulz, J., Sheriff, S., and Fuemmeler, W., 1998, Mourning Dove nesting habitat and nest success in Central Missouri: Journal of Field Ornithology, v. 69, no. 2, p. 299-305.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Mourning Dove nesting habitat and nest success in Central Missouri
Series title Journal of Field Ornithology
Volume 69
Issue 2
Year Published 1998
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Journal of Field Ornithology
First page 299
Last page 305
Additional publication details