Your backyard is sunny and nice, you hear a light sound. It’s a dove! They are pretty birds that fly well and calm us down. Want these cool birds around more often? Try feeding them their favorite treats. This guide will take you into the wonderful world of what doves eat, like seeds, fruits, veggies, and natural treats. Soon your yard will be full of these great birds coming to eat up all the tasty and healthy food you’ve put out for them. Be ready to make your backyard a place where these birds love to hang out, bringing their lovely songs with them.
Seed Symphony: A Doves’ Delight
Birds love seeds, and doves are no different. Their favorites are: Black Oil Sunflower Seeds:
- Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: These seeds are full of fat and loved by doves. The black shells are full of oil and cover yummy kernels. These kernels give them lots of energy.
- Millet: These small, shimmering seeds are loved too. Millet is full of carbs and fiber, which is great for the doves’ diet.
- Cracked Corn: These small, shimmering seeds are loved too. Millet is full of carbs and fiber, which is great for the doves’ diet.
- Pro Millet and Other Seed Mixes: These mix black oil sunflower seeds, millet, and other dove-liked seeds together. It’s a straightforward way to give a range of seeds to the birds. Search for mixtures designed for grazing birds. These have more of the seeds doves like over seeds liked by finches and other birds that sing.
Seed Type | Benefits | Notes |
---|---|---|
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds | High in fat, provides essential energy | Shells might make a bit of a mess, but they bring in lots of different birds. |
Millet | Good source of carbohydrates and fiber | You’ll need a feeder with tinier holes for small seeds. |
Cracked Corn | Budget-friendly, readily available | They’re not as healthy as other choices, so only give a bit now and then. |
Pro Millet Mixes | Variety of seed options, convenient | It’s best to pick blends made specially for doves or birds that feed on the ground. |
Tips for Serving Seeds:
- Feeder Fun: Both platform and hopper feeders are good choices for serving seeds. These birds can comfortably sit and eat on the flat surface of a platform feeder, while hopper feeders provide an automatic seed release as birds feed. Pick a feeder that fits your likes and your yard’s design.
- Scatter Feeding: Another method is to scatter seeds straight onto the ground. This can draw in doves that may be shy around feeders. Yet, remember that critters like squirrels and raccoons might also be attracted.
Tip | Benefit |
---|---|
Use a platform feeder or hopper feeder | Gives a firm place for them to rest and eat. |
Scatter seeds on the ground | Draws in doves that might not use feeders. |
Rake scattered seeds regularly | Keeps mold from growing and avoids unwanted bugs. |
Offer a variety of seed sizes and types | Satisfies the distinct likes of various dove species. |
Beyond Seeds: A Fruity and Veggie Feast
Doves like a mix of fruits and veggies. Here’s a quick list:
- Berries: Raspberries and blueberries are doves’ favorites. The sweet, juicy berries are enjoyed by them.
- Grapes: Slice grapes for safety, doves love them.
- Chopped Apples and Pears: Chopped apple and pear bits are healthy for these birds. They are easy for them to eat
- Leafy Greens: Give doves spinach and kale sometimes. It isn’t a big part of their usual meals, but has vitamins and minerals.
Fruit/Vegetable | Benefits | Preparation Tips |
---|---|---|
Berries (raspberries, blueberries) | Sweet, juicy, rich in antioxidants | Wash and offer whole (small berries) or chopped (larger berries) |
Grapes | Hydrating, good source of sugar | Cut grapes in half to avoid choking hazard |
Chopped Apples & Pears | Vitamins, fiber | Chop into small, bite-sized pieces |
Leafy Greens (spinach, kale) | Vitamins, minerals | Offer in moderation, chop into small pieces |
Important Considerations for Fruits and Vegetables:
- Introduce Gradually: Adding new food to a dove’s diet should be done with caution. Begin by offering small portions and watching their response. Some doves might be unsure about new food.
- Freshness Matters: Make sure to take away any uneaten fruits and vegetables after a day to avoid rot and bacteria growth.
Natural Bounty: A Doves’ Diverse Diet
Besides the foods you provide, doves also gather nourishment from natural resources present in your yard:
- Wildflowers and Seeds: Doves love seeds from native wildflowers and weeds. Maybe leave some wild areas in your garden for food.
- Grubs and Insects: Doves aren’t picky eaters—they even like grubs, worms, and insects from your yard. This helps get rid of those pesky garden bugs.
Natural Food Source | Benefit to Doves | Additional Information |
---|---|---|
Wildflowers and Seeds | Provide dietary variety, source of essential nutrients | Choose native wildflowers that produce seeds doves enjoy (e.g., coneflowers, coreopsis) |
Grubs and Insects | Source of protein | Doves act as natural pest control by consuming these insects |
Creating a Dove-Friendly Habitat:
Drawing doves to your space involves more than just grub. Check out some extra advice to make a cozy home for them:
- Diverse Food Source: Like we drilled down, varying the grub sparks interest from more doves.
- Water, Water Everywhere: fresh, dependable water source is key for all winged creatures, doves included. Think about setting a birdbath or dish brimming with crystal water in your yard.
Doves Delight: Additional Tips
Here’s a handful of other pointers for successful dove allure:
- Avoid Pesticides: They can damage doves and the food they eat. Try to use natural methods for bug control.
- Safe Haven: Doves like open spaces. They’re safe there. So, avoid putting food under trees or bushes. That’s where predators might hide. Instead, put the food near some bushes in open spaces so doves can escape quickly.
- Feeder Hygiene: Clean your bird feeders often. Use mild soap. This helps stop diseases from spreading among birds. This is especially crucial in the summertime.
Tips for Attracting Doves | Description | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Offer a variety of food sources | Seeds, fruits, vegetables, natural food sources | Offers a fair meal, pleasing to all dove tastes. |
Place feeders in safe, open locations | Avoid areas near trees or shrubs | Open spaces with exits make doves feel safe. |
Keep feeders clean and well-maintained | Regular cleaning prevents diseases | Keeps doves and feeder birds healthy. |
Provide a birdbath with fresh water | Essential for drinking and preening | A clean water source is vital for doves, particularly in warm weather. |
Conclusion
Making your yard a cozy place with a mix of food, like high-power black oil sunflower seeds and juicy berries, plus a birdbath for water, can bring in the gentle doves. They aren’t just nice to look at, they’re also good for the ecosystem. They help control bugs. So, lay out the seed tray to attract them and listen to the joyous coos filling your backyard with their friendly presence.