Mourning doves typically nest in a variety of locations but prefer flat surfaces that offer some protection from predators and weather. Common nesting sites include:
- Trees, especially pines and other evergreens, where nests are often built 10 to 25 feet above the ground, though they can be as high as 50 feet or more
- Leafy shrubs and vines provide dense foliage for nest placement
- Occasionally on the ground, particularly in western regions, though ground nests are rare and usually in areas with few predators
- Artificial structures such as ledges of houses, gutters, balconies, window ledges, hanging flower baskets, and other flat surfaces around residential areas, parks, farms, and government buildings
- Sometimes on top of stumps surrounded by water or even on nests of other birds like egrets, robins, catbirds, mockingbirds, cardinals, grackles, barn swallows, and squirrels
Their nests are simple and flimsy platforms made of twigs, pine needles, and grass, usually about 6 to 8 inches wide and shallow, often constructed quickly within a few hours to a couple of days
. In summary, mourning doves nest mostly in trees and shrubs but are adaptable and will use ground sites or human-made structures if suitable flat surfaces are available and safe from predators
