In the flock of about 20 Mourning Doves at my feeder this afternoon,
there is one dove who seems unable to walk forwards well, but which is very
good at walking backwards, until it backs up to an object.

I saw the bird take a couple of steps forward, but when it did,
it did not make the head movements doves normally make
as they step. After two or three very awkward steps, with the bird
holding its head very high, it began to walk backwards at
a good pace. When it backed into the Christmas tree we use
as a windbreak, it flew a couple of feet, and so it seems able
to fly forwards with no problem. It took off with the flock
when they were spooked by something.

I have never seen a dove or any other bird behave this way.
Does anyone know if this is a neurological problem, or a symptom
of an illness? Is it common in or unique to doves?

--Pat

Pat Valdata, Elkton, MD | 
"The natural function of the wing is to soar upwards
and carry that which is heavy up to the place where dwells the race of gods.
More than any other thing that pertains to the body
it partakes of the nature of the divine." --Plato