Doves. Those gentle, cooing birds. But for many bird enthusiasts, doves are uninvited guests at the backyard buffet. Their voracious appetites and tendency to hog the feeder can leave other, smaller birds with little to eat. So, how do you create a bird-friendly environment that keeps the doves away? The answer lies in understanding dove behavior and selecting the right type of feeder. This guide explores effective dove-proof bird feeder options and strategies to attract a wider variety of birds to your yard.
What Makes a Bird Feeder Dove-Proof?
The key to a dove-proof feeder is to design out the features that doves excel at exploiting. Doves are large, ground-feeding birds, perfectly comfortable with open areas and easily able to access larger feeding platforms. Therefore, a successful dove-proof feeder needs to address these strengths:
- Size and Weight: Doves are larger and heavier than many songbirds. Small perches or weight-sensitive mechanisms can deter them.
- Accessibility: Doves can easily access open trays or large platforms. Feeders with enclosed feeding areas, small ports, or weight-activated mechanisms work better.
- Feeding Style: Doves are ground feeders, so elevated feeders are less attractive.
Types of Dove-Proof Bird Feeders
Several feeder designs are specifically designed to discourage doves while attracting smaller birds. Here are some popular options:
1. Tube Feeders with Small Perches
Tube feeders with small perches are a good starting point. The small perches are uncomfortable for doves to land on, while smaller birds can manage them easily. Look for feeders with closely spaced perches or those with perches designed to accommodate smaller bird species.
2. Weight-Activated Feeders
These clever feeders only dispense seed when a lighter bird lands on the perch. The added weight of a dove triggers a mechanism that closes off access to the seed. This is often considered one of the most effective dove-proof options.
3. Suet Feeders with Cage Protection
Suet is a high-energy food that many birds love, but doves are also fond of it. To make it dove-proof, choose a suet feeder with a cage around the suet cake. This prevents doves from easily accessing the suet.
4. Squirrel-Proof & Dove-Proof Combination Feeders
Many feeders are designed to be both squirrel-proof and dove-proof. These often combine features like weight-activated mechanisms, small perches, and baffles to deter both large and agile critters.
Other Strategies to Deter Doves
Beyond the type of feeder, you can also employ other strategies to minimize dove visits:
How to Keep Doves Away From Bird Feeders?
This is a common question, and the answer involves a multi-pronged approach. Simply using a dove-proof feeder may not be enough. Consider these additional tactics:
- Clean up spilled seed regularly: Doves are happy to scavenge from the ground, so keep the area beneath your feeders clean.
- Limit seed availability: Don't overfill your feeders. This reduces the attractiveness to larger flocks of doves.
- Offer alternative food sources: Plant native plants and shrubs that produce berries or seeds. This provides natural food sources for birds, reducing their dependence on your feeders.
What Type of Birdseed Attracts Doves?
Doves are attracted to a variety of seeds, but they have a particular fondness for sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and millet. While you can't completely stop doves from finding these seeds, using smaller seeds like nyjer (thistle) or specialized blends designed for smaller birds can help attract a more diverse range of species while being less appealing to doves.
How Can I Attract More Birds to My Yard?
Besides using the right feeders, you can create a welcoming environment for birds:
- Provide fresh water: Birds need a source of clean water for drinking and bathing.
- Offer shelter: Bushes, trees, and birdhouses provide safe places to rest and nest.
- Avoid pesticides: Chemicals can harm birds and their food sources.
By combining the right type of feeder with strategic placement and supplementary measures, you can create a thriving backyard bird sanctuary that attracts a wider array of birds while minimizing the unwelcome presence of doves. Remember, patience is key; it might take some experimentation to find the perfect combination for your specific location and bird population.
