Pecking order

[MN Shutterbug]

Of all my backyard birds, I'd have to say that the mourning dove is the biggest bully of them all, towards their own species.

[The J-Man!]

That one on the left sure thinks he's the alpha bird. I guess the guy in the back will just have to wait his turn.

The Blue Jays in my backyard are definitely the bullies of my feathered friends. Except the one time a small murder of crows landed...

[MN Shutterbug]

I just find it strange that unlike jays, the doves will tolerate other species, just not other doves. I do get a kick out of watching them. I suppose in about a month they'll start migrating. They sure can go thru the seeds, especially when you get up to a dozen at a time. It's a good thing they'll eat the cheaper mixtures.