Ask A Scientist© Zoology Archive

name         Lisa W.
status       other
age          40s

Question -   IF ONE DOVE DIES DURING MATING SEASON, WILL THE OTHER
ONE AND EXPECTING EGGS SURVIVE WITHOUT IT'S MATE?  HOW CAN THE ONE LEAVE THE
NEST TO LOOK FOR FOOD?

It is possible for a "single parent" bird to have a successful nest. The
adult can leave for very short periods while incubating, but the risks
become great.
J. Elliott
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It depends upon the time of the death.  Early after laying the egg, the chances 
are small for survival of the young.  The reasopn lies in the fact that the 
temperature of the egg can not drop too low and most doves leve to feed at times.
Steve Sample
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