Date: 08/05/09
Contact: Margie Klein
Phone: 702-486-5127 x 3502

DOVES BANDED FOR RESEARCH PROJECT

Mourning doves are a common sight during the warm summer months, and you can even hear them calling, but have you ever wondered how many doves there are? Biologists with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) have joined researchers across the country to gather data they hope will answer that question.

For decades biologists have tried a variety of methods for collecting data on dove populations. One method that is commonly used is to count the distinct dove calls within established survey areas or transects. Thousands of these transects have been established across the country. These Call Count Surveys help biologists to recognize trends in the breeding population of doves.

Another tool wildlife managers use is the analysis of hunter and harvest data to calculate the relative abundance and distribution of doves, but perhaps the best tool for determining the dove’s status, as well as that of other species, is the use of banding, explained Craig Mortimore, an NDOW biologist.

So in 2008 NDOW joined a nationwide dove banding initiative in which each state was given specific banding objectives that researchers believe will provide the results necessary to evaluate the mourning doves status, including distribution patterns and harvest pressure. That first year, personnel from the US Fish & Wildlife Service and
NDOW worked together to capture and band doves. Data was collected on each captured bird which was then released back into the wild.

This year volunteers provided a helping hand. In southern Nevada the dove capture was completed by volunteers in Boulder City, Henderson and Pahrump. Their efforts were supervised by Matt Jeffress, an NDOW game biologist. In addition to data collection, these volunteer efforts also will benefit the agency by generating matching funds from the Wildlife Restoration Program of the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

“The goal of this banding project is to collect data that will help managers understand the status of doves," said Jeffress.

Hunters who harvest a dove fitted with a leg band are asked to report the band number to the US Geological Service’s Bird Banding Lab using the website or phone number stamped on the band. Hunters may keep the band.

Mourning doves are generally found foraging wherever they can find seeds. They tend to concentrate at feeders in cities, making them relatively easy to capture. Banding in rural areas is particularly important as biologists believe band recovery rates will be higher among those birds that are more likely to be harvested by hunters. Eventually banding recovery analysis, along with harvest data and Call Count Survey data, will be used to influence dove season and bag limits, said Mortimore.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.