If you’ve ever wondered how to attract mourning doves to your yard, the good news is that nearly everyone in the continental U.S. has the opportunity. Mourning doves are found across most of North America year-round, making them one of the few backyard birds that almost anyone can attract. Their soft cooing, calm behavior, and frequent visits make them a favorite for bird lovers. Here’s exactly what I’ve learned from years of feeding and watching them in my own yard.
Article highlights
- Ground and platform feeders give them the space they need
- Millet, cracked corn, and safflower are dove favorites
- Water and open space help them feel safe
- Nesting spots can keep them coming back
- A calm, consistent setup works best
How to attract mourning doves
1. Use the right type of feeder
Doves aren’t built for perching on narrow ledges or clinging to tube feeders. Most of their natural diet comes from the ground, and that’s where they’re most comfortable eating. However, they do eat at bird feeders so flat surfaces like platform feeders or open ground trays are perfect.
And yes, they absolutely will use hanging platform feeders too. I see it happen every day in my yard. As long as there’s enough space for them to land, sit down, and pig out, they’ll be happy. Just make sure it’s sturdy and doesn’t swing too much.
2. Use the right bird seed
I’ve found that doves aren’t picky, but they do have their favorites. White millet, cracked corn, and safflower are big hits. They’ll also go for black-oil sunflower seeds, but prefer ones without thick shells. Skip the cheap mixes filled with milo—most doves won’t touch it, and you’ll just end up attracting the wrong crowd. Keep it simple and clean, and you’ll start seeing results fast.
3. Provide fresh water
Doves love having a dependable water source. A shallow birdbath set close to the ground works great. I like to place mine where it gets some sun in the morning but stays shaded in the heat of the day. Just make sure to keep the water clean—especially in summer—since doves will often visit it just as much as the feeder, if not more.
4. Keep a quiet, open space
Mourning doves spook easily, especially if there’s too much activity or loud noise nearby. Try to set up your feeder and water in a calm area with a wide, open view. They like being able to spot danger and take off quickly if needed. I’ve had the best luck placing my feeding areas away from where the dog plays or where the kids are constantly in and out.
5. Offer natural shelter for nesting
If you want doves to stick around longer, give them some spots to nest. They like flat, semi-hidden places—low tree branches, thick shrubs, or even hanging flower baskets. I’ve even had them build nests on a corner shelf under my carport roof. If you have any quiet nooks like that, don’t be surprised if they set up camp there.
6. Keep the area safe from predators
Doves are easy targets for cats, hawks, and other predators. If you’ve got outdoor cats, you might want to keep them inside while the doves are feeding. I also avoid putting feeders too close to thick bushes where something could pounce out of nowhere. Give them a safe, clear area to eat and rest—it makes a big difference.
7. Space out feeding stations
If you’ve got multiple feeders, try spreading them out a bit. This helps doves feed in peace without getting crowded by more aggressive birds. I keep one station that’s low and open just for ground-feeding birds like doves, and it’s made a big difference in how often they show up.
Drawbacks of attracting doves
I love having mourning doves around, but they’re not perfect guests. They can be a little messy… scattering seed under the feeder and leaving droppings in their favorite hangout spots.
And once they find a feeder they like, they’ll sit there for a long time, sometimes keeping other birds away. It’s not a dealbreaker for me, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re hoping to attract a big variety of species.
Conclusion
If you give mourning doves what they need—space to eat, the right food, water, and a safe place to land—you’ll probably start seeing them regularly. They’re calm, easygoing birds that don’t ask for much, and once they trust your yard, they’ll come back often.
Want to learn more about these birds? Find more facts about mourning doves here.
Jesse has been feeding birds in his backyard and bird watching across the country for years. He loves learning about the different species and sharing his knowledge and experiences on this website.