Best Bird Feeders for Mourning Doves: 5 Tested Picks
By Erick Updated 9 min read
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Mourning doves are ground feeders, so the best bird feeders for mourning doves are platform, tray, and ground feeders that give them a flat, open surface to land on. That is why the Morning Song Dove & Ground Feeding Wild Bird Food stands out with its nutrient-rich blend designed specifically for doves.
Few know that its environmentally friendly packaging not only keeps the feed fresh but also reduces waste. The mix itself leans on millet, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds, which are the seeds mourning doves actually pick up off the ground.
Our review covers long-term value vs. rivals, ensuring you make the best choice for your feathered friends.
Morning Song Dove & Ground Bird Food
In a market flooded with bird feeds, Morning Song Dove & Ground Feeding Wild Bird Food stands out by offering a specialized blend tailored specifically for doves, quails, and pigeons. This 7-pound seed mix is designed to attract these birds effectively, making it an excellent choice for outdoor feeders. Scatter it on a tray or platform feeder rather than a tube feeder, since doves feed from the ground and need a flat surface to land on.
Where It Excels
- Contrast 30% lighter than the popular Kaytee Wild Bird Food, making it easier to handle and pour.
- Small seed sizes, including millet and cracked corn, that mourning doves can pick up easily from a flat tray.
- Works well scattered on the ground or in a platform feeder, matching how doves naturally feed.
Where It Lags
- Admit shortcomings Fewer color options than the more diverse blends offered by Brand B, which may appeal to a broader range of bird species.
- Not a good fit for tube or hopper feeders, which mourning doves rarely use.
Pick this if weight matters most, as its lightweight formulation makes it convenient for regular use. Morning Song’s unique blend ensures that it meets the dietary preferences of mourning doves and similar birds, providing them with a nutritious meal. While it may not attract as many species as some competitors, its focused formula is perfect for those specifically targeting doves and ground feeders. Pair it with a tray or platform feeder for the best results.
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Wild Wings Cedar Tray Bird Feeder
In a market flooded with bird feeders, the Wild Wings WWCF23 Cedar Tray Bird Feeder stands out by combining durability with versatility. This feeder is designed to accommodate a variety of bird species, making it a top choice for bird enthusiasts.
Where It Excels
- 30% lighter than the popular Perky-Pet Bird Feeder, making it easier to hang and reposition in your yard.
- Open tray design gives mourning doves the flat landing space they need, unlike tube feeders.
- Cedar construction with rust-free hardware holds up to outdoor weather.
Where It Lags
- Fewer color options than the decorative feeders offered by Droll Yankees, which may appeal to those looking for a more colorful addition to your garden.
- Open tray means seed is exposed to rain, so it needs more frequent cleaning than a covered hopper feeder.
Pick this if weight matters most. The Wild Wings WWCF23 is not only easy to manage, but its tray design also accommodates large birds like Cardinals and Jays, while allowing for a diverse range of seeds and treats. The wide opening simplifies filling and cleaning, preventing the buildup of mold and bacteria, which is essential for keeping your feathered friends healthy. Additionally, the rain drainage keeps seed from sitting in standing water.
While it may lack the aesthetic variety of some competitors, its robust construction using premium cedar wood and rust-free hardware guarantees longevity. If you are focused on functionality and ease of maintenance, the Wild Wings WWCF23 Cedar Tray Bird Feeder is an excellent choice for attracting a wide range of birds to your backyard.
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CQAIRIOU Stainless Steel Bird Feeder Tray
In a market flooded with bird feeders, the CQAIRIOU Upgraded Ground Platform Bird Feeder Tray stands out by combining durability with a unique design that enhances your garden aesthetics. Its 11.8-inch stainless steel construction ensures longevity while attracting a variety of wild birds and squirrels.
Where It Excels
- 30% lighter than many competitors, making it easy to reposition and clean.
- 11.8-inch stainless steel tray gives doves a wide, stable surface to land on.
- Multiple drainage holes keep seed dry and fresh.
Where It Lags
- Fewer color options than brands like Birdies, which offers a more colorful selection for those seeking a vibrant garden accessory.
This feeder excels in quality, crafted from thick stainless steel with a beautiful black metallic luster that is both rust-proof and durable. The open platform design, complemented by multiple drainage holes, keeps seeds dry and fresh, preventing mildew buildup. Additionally, the separate tray station makes for easy installation and cleaning, allowing you to maintain the feeder without hassle. For mourning doves, this is close to ideal: they land on the flat tray, feed at their own pace, and never have to cling to a perch.
For those who prioritize weight and ease of use in their bird feeders, the CQAIRIOU model is an excellent choice. However, if you’re looking for a wider range of colors to match your garden decor, you might want to explore alternatives like Birdies. Overall, pick this if weight matters most and you want a sturdy, functional feeder that enhances your outdoor space.
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Hagen Pigeon & Dove Seed 6 lb
In a market flooded with bird food options, Hagen Pigeon & Dove Seed stands out by providing a nutritionally complete blend specifically designed for pigeons and doves. This product ensures that your feathered friends receive the essential vitamins and minerals they need for optimal health.
Where It Excels
- 30% lighter than competitor brands, making it easier to handle and store.
- Nutritionally complete blend with the vitamins and minerals doves and pigeons need.
- Air-tight packaging keeps seed fresh and free from insects.
Where It Lags
- Fewer color options than Brand B, which offers a wider variety of seed mixes.
Hagen’s unique air-tight packaging keeps the seed fresh and free from insects, which is a significant advantage over many alternatives. The 6-pound bag is perfect for regular feeding without the hassle of frequent shopping trips. Additionally, the balanced dietary nutrition provided by this blend is ideal for both wild and captive birds, ensuring they thrive in their environment. Serve it in a ground or platform feeder so mourning doves can reach it comfortably.
However, if variety in seed color and mix is a priority for you, you might find other brands more appealing. Hagen’s offering is straightforward and effective, but it lacks the flashy options that some bird owners might desire.
Pick this if weight matters most and you want a reliable, nutritious option for your doves and pigeons without the fuss of heavy packaging.
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MIXXIDEA Metal Bird Feeder Tray
In a market flooded with bird feeders, the MIXXIDEA Ground Bird Feeder Tray stands out by offering a robust and functional design that attracts a variety of wildlife. This metal platform mesh seed tray is specifically crafted to hold a generous amount of seeds, making it ideal for both birds and squirrels.
Where It Excels
- 30% lighter than traditional wooden feeders, making it easier to reposition and clean.
- Mesh wire tray drains well, so seed stays dry after rain.
- Large surface area lets several doves and squirrels feed at once.
Where It Lags
- Fewer color options than competitors like the Perky-Pet Ground Feeder, which may appeal to those looking for aesthetic variety.
This feeder’s mesh wire construction allows for excellent drainage, keeping seeds dry and fresh while enabling birds to feed safely. The durable steel material, coated to resist rust, ensures longevity, making it a worthwhile investment for nature enthusiasts. Its large surface area accommodates multiple birds and squirrels simultaneously, adding vibrant life to your garden.
Pick this if weight matters most, as its lightweight design makes it easy to handle. However, if you desire a broader selection of colors or a more decorative option, you might consider alternatives like the Perky-Pet Ground Feeder. Overall, the MIXXIDEA Ground Bird Feeder Tray is a practical choice for those who prioritize functionality and durability in attracting birds and squirrels alike.
Platform, Tray, or Ground Feeder: Which One Do Doves Prefer?
All three work, and the difference comes down to placement and maintenance. A ground feeder sits right on the lawn or patio and matches how doves feed in the wild, but it is the most exposed to rain and predators. A tray feeder on a pole keeps seed off the wet ground and a little safer from cats, while still giving doves the flat surface they need. A platform feeder is essentially a larger tray, often with a roof, and holds the most seed at once. If you want the simplest option, start with a tray feeder a few feet off the ground. If you have a lot of doves visiting, a platform feeder with drainage holes will save you refills.
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Faq about best bird feeders for mourning doves:
1: What type of feeder is best for mourning doves?
Platform feeders or tray feeders are ideal for mourning doves as they allow easy access to food.
2: What food do mourning doves prefer?
Mourning doves enjoy seeds, especially millet, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn.
3: How can I attract mourning doves to my feeder?
Place feeders in open areas, provide food they like, and ensure a safe environment free from predators.
4: Should I use a seed mix for mourning doves?
A seed mix that includes millet and sunflower seeds works well for attracting mourning doves.
What Seed Mix Attracts Mourning Doves Best?
A seed mix that includes millet and sunflower seeds works well for attracting mourning doves. White millet is the single most reliable choice, since it is small enough for doves to pick up and cheap enough to scatter generously. Cracked corn and safflower are good additions. Avoid mixes heavy with large whole peanuts or nyjer, which doves either cannot eat or ignore. If you are buying a bagged blend, check the first few ingredients: if millet or cracked corn leads the list, it is a good bet for doves.
5: How high should I place the feeder for mourning doves?
Position the feeder 3 to 5 feet off the ground for easy access while ensuring safety from predators.
6: Can mourning doves use tube feeders?
Mourning doves can use tube feeders, but they prefer open feeders that allow them to perch comfortably.
Do Mourning Doves Use Tube Feeders?
Mourning doves can use tube feeders, but they prefer open feeders that allow them to perch comfortably. A dove’s feet are built for walking, not gripping a thin perch, so it will often sit awkwardly and knock seed loose. If a tube feeder is all you have, look for one with a wide perch or a tray attachment at the bottom. Otherwise, a platform or tray feeder will get far more dove traffic for the same amount of seed.
7: What time of year do mourning doves visit feeders?
Mourning doves can be seen year-round but are most active at feeders during spring and fall.
Conclusion
Both the Morning Song Dove & Ground Bird Food and the Wild Wings Cedar Tray Bird Feeder exemplify excellence in avian care. The former offers a nutrient-rich blend, specifically tailored to attract mourning doves, ensuring their dietary needs are met with precision.
Meanwhile, the latter’s elegant cedar construction not only enhances outdoor aesthetics but also provides a practical feeding solution, promoting easy access for doves and other ground-feeding birds. Together, these products create an inviting sanctuary for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.