Collared doves are medium-sized doves that are a pale, pinky-brown gray color with a distinctive black neck collar. They are an introduced species in many parts of the world and have adapted well to living alongside humans in urban and suburban areas. Collared doves have a varied diet consisting of seeds, grains, buds, and some insects. When feeding collared doves, it’s important to provide them with a nutritious diet to keep them healthy.
Natural Diet
In the wild, collared doves eat a variety of different foods. Their natural diet consists of:
- Seeds – Collared doves will eat small seeds from grasses, weeds, and agricultural grains. This includes seeds from wheat, milo, corn, millet, and sunflowers.
- Grains – Spilled grain such as wheat, barley, rice, and oats can provide collared doves with a good source of carbohydrates and protein.
- Fruit – Collared doves will sometimes supplement their diet with fruit when available. They may eat small berries, cherries, figs, and other soft fruits.
- Green Plant Material – Collared doves will eat the buds, shoots, and leaves of certain green plants to obtain nutrients and moisture.
- Insects – Although not a significant part of their diet, collared doves will sometimes eat insects like ants, beetles, and caterpillars for additional protein.
The bulk of a collared dove’s diet in the wild consists of seeds from grasses, cereal grains, and agricultural crops. They have a strong ability to digest seeds and can gain adequate nutrition from them. Access to spilled grain provides collared doves with an abundant food source in many areas.
Dietary Needs
When feeding collared doves in captivity or supplementing their diet in the wild, it’s important to provide for their basic dietary needs:
- Carbohydrates – Collared doves need a source of carbohydrates, which they would get naturally from seeds and grains.PROVIDE HIGH-CARB SEEDS AND GRAINS.
- Protein – Although they don’t need as much protein as other birds, collared doves still require adequate protein in their diet, found in some seeds/grains, sprouted seeds, and insects. PROVIDE SOME HIGH-PROTEIN SEEDS/GRAIN.
- Fats – Fats and fatty acids help collared doves metabolize other nutrients. Oil-rich seeds or mono-unsaturated vegetable oils can provide fat.
- Fiber – Fiber aids digestion and prevents crop impactions. Provide roughage with things like greens, sprouted seeds, hulls.
- Vitamins/Minerals – A variety of seeds/grains, vegetable matter will provide necessary vitamins and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, etc.
- Water – Fresh, clean drinking water is essential at all times.
The exact proportions of each nutrient needed depend on the individual dove’s age, health status, and life stage. But in general, their diet should consist predominantly of carbohydrate-rich seeds and grains.
Foods to Offer
There are many good options for feeding collared doves in urban and suburban environments where they have adapted to living near people. Some specific foods you can offer include:
Seeds
- Millet
- Cracked corn
- Shelled sunflower seeds
- Safflower seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Milo
- Thistle
- Niger seed
Seeds provide carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Offer a mix to increase variety. Soak hard seeds like corn and sunflower to soften. Sprouted seeds are nutritious.
Grains
- Whole grains like wheat, barley, rice, oats, quinoa
- Cracked corn
- Milo
- Couscous
Scattering grain or placing in a ground feeder provides essential carbohydrates. Mix grains for variety.
Produce
- Greens like kale, spinach, lettuce (small amounts)
- Chopped sweet potatoes or yams
- Cooked rice/quinoa
- Chopped fruits like apples, berries, melons
Vegetables and fruits provide important vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Only offer small amounts at a time.
Protein Sources
- Dried mealworms or crickets
- Hard boiled eggs
- Cooked beans or lentils
- Chopped nuts
- Cottage cheese
Protein is essential for growth and development. About 5-10% of their diet can consist of insects, eggs, or other protein sources.
Grit
Provide grit such as coarse sand, fine gravel, oyster shell, or crushed eggshells to help collared doves grind and digest seeds in their crop.
Clean Water
Always provide fresh, clean drinking water. Change water daily and clean feeders/bowls regularly.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods are unhealthy for collared doves and should be avoided:
- Salty foods
- Avocado
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Moldy or spoiled foods
Foods with excessive salt, sugar, or fat can cause health issues. Avoid avocados and chocolate which contain toxins dangerous to birds. Also do not give products containing caffeine or alcohol.
Feeding Techniques
There are some different techniques you can use when feeding collared doves:
- Platform feeders – Flat platforms or trays on which you scatter seeds allow easy access for many birds.
- Hopper or tube feeders – These enclosed feeders protect seeds from getting wet. Allow collared doves to feed by raising or widening openings.
- Ground feeding – Scatter grains, seeds, or other foods on the ground in open areas. Spread thinly to prevent waste.
- Suet feeders – Offering suet with seeds provides important fat. Use feeders with large mesh to allow access.
Try offering foods in multiple ways to accommodate the natural ground feeding behavior of doves. Place feeders in quiet areas protected from predators.
When to Feed
Collared doves will readily come to feeders at many times throughout the day. Some tips on when to feed include:
- Early morning – Offer food early when birds are active and hungry after nighttime fasting.
- Mid-day – Make food available during mid-day as well for snacking.
- Late afternoon – Increase food late afternoon to provide energy reserves for overnight.
- Year-round – Feed year-round, but increase foods high in fat and calories during colder months when food is scarce.
Feeding consistently at the same times daily will encourage collared doves to routinely visit your feeders.
What to Feed Collared Dove Chicks
If you need to care for collared dove chicks, they will need:
- Canned or soaked dog/cat food high in protein
- Hard boiled eggs
- Mealworms
- Finely chopped greens/veg
- Chick starter feed
- Small seeds
Use tweezers or a syringe to carefully feed chicks. Provide small but frequent meals. Keep food varied and nutrient-rich for proper growth.
Quantity to Feed
The amount of food collared doves need varies based on factors like:
- Number of birds
- Age of birds
- Size of birds
- Ambient temperature
- Energy needs
- Reproductive status
As a general guide, provide at least 1-2 tablespoons of seeds per dove daily. Increase amounts during cold weather or for breeding birds. Provide enough so some food remains when they finish eating. Start with small amounts and adjust based on consumption. Supply ample feeders and spread food to minimize competition. Make fresh food available daily.
Supplements
Supplements are usually not needed if feeding a varied diet. But for birds with deficiencies you can provide:
- Calcium – vital for egg production and growth. Dust foods with calcium powder.
- Vitamin D3 – supports calcium absorption. Can add to drinking water weekly.
- Multivitamins – provides comprehensive vitamins. Use avian vitamins sparingly.
- Grit – helps digest food. Supply oyster shell and insoluble granite grit.
- Probiotics – supports healthy gut flora. Use avian probiotic powder.
It’s best to consult an avian vet before giving any supplements long-term. Targeted supplements can benefit birds with known deficiencies.
Safety Tips
When feeding collared doves, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Prevent spoilage – only put out enough food for a day. Remove wet/moldy foods.
- Avoid overcrowding – use multiple feeders and spread food out.
- Keep away ants and rodents – clean up uneaten food and use ant/rodent deterrents.
- Ensure adequate calcium – dust foods or provide oyster shell if breeding.
- Remove choke hazards – don’t allow access to large chunks or debris.
- Watch for crop impaction – limit dry seeds/grains and provide greens/fresh foods.
Following basic safety measures helps prevent health risks and ensures a safe, enjoyable feeding experience. Monitor birds closely for any signs of illness.
Conclusion
Collared doves are adaptable, resilient birds that may readily come to feeders. Offer a variety of seeds, grains, produce, and proteins. Feed in safe, hygienic ways and provide ample grit and clean water. Adjust foods according to the season and birds’ status. Meeting collared doves’ dietary needs will support their health while allowing enjoyment of their graceful presence. Proper nutrition helps sustain collared dove populations sharing our living spaces.
