Mourning Doves are a familiar and beloved sight and sound during the summer months. Their gentle cooing provides a soothing natural soundtrack to warm mornings. If you’re looking to invite more of these charming birds into your yard, understanding their preferences is key. This guide will walk you through creating an ideal environment for Mourning Doves, focusing on their dietary needs and preferred feeding stations.
Understanding the Mourning Dove’s Diet
Unlike many other songbirds that feast on insects and other small creatures, Mourning Doves are primarily granivores. Their diet consists almost entirely of grains and seeds from various wild grasses, weeds, and herbs. Occasionally, they might supplement their diet with berries or snails. This specialized diet means that offering the right food is crucial for attracting them.
What to Feed Mourning Doves
To entice Mourning Doves to visit your feeders, focus on providing high-quality wild bird food mixes that contain their favorite seeds. Key offerings include:
- Sunflower seeds: A staple for many bird species, these are highly attractive to Mourning Doves.
- Safflower: This seed is often less appealing to common feeder pests like squirrels, making it a good option for doves.
- Nyjer (Thistle): While smaller than other seeds, Nyjer is a favorite for many finches and can also be part of a dove’s diet.
- Cracked corn: This readily available grain is a significant part of their natural diet.
- Peanuts: Offer shelled, unsalted peanuts to provide a good source of protein and fat.
- Millet: A small, highly digestible grain that is a common component of wild bird seed mixes.
You can find many of these seeds in commercially available wild bird food mixes. For instance, Lyric Supreme Mix is formulated with sunflower seeds, peanuts, and millet, making it an excellent choice to attract Mourning Doves to your neighborhood.
The Best Feeders for Mourning Doves
Mourning Doves are ground feeders by nature, often found foraging in open fields and spaces. Their body shape and size can make it challenging for them to maneuver on feeders with limited space or small perches, and they tend to struggle with balance in such environments.
Therefore, the most suitable feeders for Mourning Doves are platform feeders or large hopper feeders. These designs offer ample space for them to perch comfortably and feed without feeling cramped. If you notice competition from other birds at your feeders, a dedicated ground feeder can also be a great solution. Mourning Doves are already accustomed to foraging on the ground for dropped seeds, so a clean, accessible ground feeder will be highly appealing. Providing feeders that allow them the space to perch and maintain their balance will undoubtedly enhance their visiting experience. It’s worth noting that Mourning Doves often feed in pairs, which may reflect their mating behavior, as they are known to mate for life.
By understanding the dietary preferences and the most suitable feeder types for Mourning Doves, you can significantly increase your chances of attracting these gentle birds to your backyard. Offering a diverse mix of their favorite seeds in an accessible feeder setup will create a welcoming haven for them, allowing you to enjoy their presence and soothing calls throughout the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mourning Doves
Q1: Are Mourning Doves messy eaters?
A1: While they may occasionally scatter seeds, providing appropriate feeders like platform or ground feeders can help minimize mess.
Q2: Do Mourning Doves eat from bird feeders year-round?
A2: While they are particularly noticeable in summer, Mourning Doves can be attracted to feeders year-round if the appropriate food sources are available.
Q3: What is the best way to ensure Mourning Doves stay safe at my feeders?
A3: Ensure feeders are placed away from potential predators and that the food is fresh and free from mold. Offering a variety of seeds can also cater to different bird species’ needs.
Q4: Can I offer water for Mourning Doves?
A4: Yes, Mourning Doves, like all birds, need access to clean water for drinking and bathing. A bird bath or a shallow dish of water can be very beneficial.
By implementing these tips, you can transform your backyard into a welcoming oasis for Mourning Doves, providing them with the sustenance and comfort they need while you enjoy their peaceful presence.
