The typical incubation period for mourning dove eggs is approximately two weeks. This duration, measured from the time the last egg is laid, is a critical phase in the reproductive cycle of these birds. Environmental factors and parental attentiveness can influence the precise timing of hatching.
Successful egg incubation is vital for the propagation of the mourning dove population. The commitment of both parents to sharing incubation duties, alongside protection from predators and maintenance of stable nest temperatures, directly contributes to higher hatching rates and, subsequently, a healthier bird population. Historically, understanding avian incubation periods has aided in conservation efforts and ecological studies.