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Publication Date

3-18-2026

The effects of urbanisation on our natural environment have led to a significant shift in ecosystem structure and processes, posing threats to many wildlife species. However other species adapts to urban settings exploiting food and nesting opportunities that humans provide. This study identified and mapped Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis nests in human structures and trees within in an urban setting. The study characterised the nesting site selection, nest materials choices, and breeding success in human structures and trees. The results show that majority (107 nests, 86%) of the Laughing Dove nests were in human structures with only 14% (16 nests) on trees. Approximately 75% of the clutch contain two eggs. A total of 127 chicks were recorded, with 120 chicks successfully fledging. The probabilities of finding eggs, hatching, and fledging in nests on human structures were significantly higher than in nests on trees.  Our results indicates that Laughing Doves prefer to nest in human made structures compared to trees in natural habitats. The higher fledging success in human-structures compared to trees suggests that such structures provide a stable nesting habitat for urban birds compared to trees. By incorporating sheltered ledges or cavities in human-made structures and managing human structure maintenance and vegetation pruning activities to coincide with off breeding cycles of birds would be crucial to enhancing the survival of Laughing Doves and other urban species that utilize urban habitats.

DOI

10.15365/1932-7048.1415

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