Trichomoniasis, a disease caused by a protozoan parasite that forms lesions and swelling in the throat, causes affected birds to starve. This disease may appear in epidemic form or in gradual, local outbreaks. Snow and ice storms may also cause severe losses.
Storms destroy many of the flimsy nests and defenseless young.
Losses to predators are largely unknown, but some of the common egg predators may include bluejays, flying squirrels, crows, and snakes. Hunter harvest of doves probably does not play a significant part in limiting the survival and production of the total dove population. Hunter harvest is regulated, and the annual harvest of doves is less than the normal population turnover and annual production. Recommendations on this web site do not endorse any commercial products or trade names.