Most birds stop reproducing after the first successful nest, but doves resume egg laying a few days after the young ar on the wing. Missouri doves nest from late March to early September. Less than 50 percent of nesting attempts are successful due to rain, winds and hail. Eggs and chicks often fall prey to snakes, hawks, skunks and other mammals. During July and August juvenile doves begin flocking together at feeding and roosting sites, building to peak numbers during lat August and early September.
Weather conditions determine how long doves remain in the state.
The first signs of winter trigger an instinct to fly south and, except for doves in southeastern Missouri, most leave by October 15. A few choice locations with abundant food and roosting sites hold flocks all year. During southerly flights, adult doves from northern states may mingle with Missouri doves. The annual turnover rate in doves is high. They reproduce at a high rate and live but a short time.