Determining the sex of your dove can be tricky, but subtle differences in coloration can offer clues, especially in Mourning Doves.
For Mourning Doves specifically, look for these traits:
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Male Mourning Doves: Often exhibit a slight pink hue on their breast and a faint light blue coloration on their neck and head.
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Female Mourning Doves: Typically lack these extra colors; their plumage tends to be more uniform and muted.
However, these are just general guidelines, and the best way to definitively determine the sex of your dove might involve more invasive methods, such as genetic testing performed by a veterinarian or avian specialist. Observing mating behavior may also provide hints, but isn't always definitive.