Breeding Success in an Isolated Population of Rock Doves

Breeding success (number fledged/eggs laid) and nest desertion were determined in a flock of Rock Doves (Columba livia) breeding in an isolated, abandoned lighthouse in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, over a 1-year period. Breeding success was 42% in that year and 38% of nests with eggs were deserted. In the following year, 20% of eggs laid were removed. Nest desertion dropped to 16%, while breeding success was 48%, suggesting that recruitment might be related to nest desertion.