Abstract
This study on the Mourning Dove (Zenaidura macroura) was designed to provide a basic description of growth in the nestling stage of development for this species, and in this particular locale. The description is in terms of growth rate and attainment of various anatomical features including feather measurements; it also includes the occurrence of several behavioral capabilities. It was anticipated that this would afford a further means for the comparison of growth on both the interspecific and intraspecific levels (Ricklefs, 1968). The basic assumptions are that each species has a characteristic growth pattern, and that external factors influence growth within a species. | The immediate object of this investigation was to look for variation in the growth pattern as influenced by: (1) sequence of hatching, (2) the number of young in the nest, (3) the time of the breeding season, and (4) the year in which the nestlings were raised (1966 or 1968). These would stress the role of physical factors associated with a particular geographic location, and the fact that they effect growth either through the parent (as regards parental care) or directly on the nestling. In addition, it was intended that an equation for the calculation of nestling age would be established. | Beyond this strict comparative value of the work as regards principles of growth, it is hoped that it will provide useful and practical insights in terms of management. In many states there is a hunting season for doves at the end of the breeding season: sometime in September before migration. In fact the Mourning Dove is the most extensively hunted game bird in the country. There are, however, those states that feel that this hunting reduces the population each year by leaving many late season nests unattended (Cheney and Cheney, 1967). It is possible that nestlings from this period are less likely to survive due to a combination of factors already alluded to, particularly due to possible changes in parental behavior. A parent may become less attentive to squabs resulting in their leaving the nest at a lighter weight. To further speculate, a weight setback this late in the season may greatly influence the nestlings changes of survival. If this were the case in any specific area, a hunting season might better be justified, since these late nestlings would not be a contribution to the population.