MOURNING DOVE BACKYARDS TIPS

The distinctive call of a Mourning Dove is a soft, mournful cooing that sounds like "coo-OOO-oo-oo." This sound, which gives them their name, is often heard early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Their wings make a sharp whistling sound when they take flight.

To attract Mourning Doves, provide a variety of seeds such as millet, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds/hearts. Mourning Doves are ground feeders, so platform feeders or simply scattering food on the ground works best. They are also attracted to birdbaths and water sources.

Mourning Doves don’t typically use birdhouses but prefer to build their nests on flat surfaces like tree branches, window ledges, or even hanging planters. If you want to encourage them to nest in your yard, consider placing a nesting platform in a quiet, sheltered area. This will provide them with a stable platform for raising their young.