Re: Suicidal behavior in doves?

I don't believe that these doves are suicidal, but more likely than they
are exhibiting a combination of normal bird behaviors.

The doves who appeared to be injured are most likely nesting nearby and are
attempting to lure you away from their young.  This is called a Broken Wing
Ruse or Injury Feigning.  Although this behavior has been observed in the
dove, it is much more common in specific other bird species, such as the
killdeer.

Doves are known for freezing in place to avoid predators (A.K.A. "hiding").
 If they're in underbrush at the time, this technique can be very
successful.  However, against humans who do not rely solely on movement to
observe, this strategy isn't very successful.

Additionally, birds in high traffic areas such as urban city, often exhibit
a tolerance for people that birds in the wild do not.  I would assume that
the doves you've observed along the roads have grown used to the traffic
and are no longer startled by it.  

http://www.ringneckdove.com/Wilmer's%20WebPage/behavior.htm

-Marcy LaViollette