The Best Mourning Dove Feeders For Your Garden, Yard, or Deck

Are you looking for a mourning dove feeder to encourage these sweet birds to spend more time in your yard?

By adding a bird feeder and consistently filling it with seed, these charming birds will return season after season.

We’ve reviewed dozens of options and curated the list to come up with our favorite bird feeders for mourning doves based on form, function, and customer feedback. Check out our favorites below and why we like them.

The Feeding Habits of Doves – Things To Consider

Before choosing your new mourning dove feeder, it’s good to understand how they like to feed.

• Mourning doves are ground feeders, and this is their preference. However, they will also visit your platform or hopper-style feeders. 
• They like to forage for food in the open on your lawn or garden beds.
• Their favorite food is seeds, but they also eat weeds, herbs, grasses, and the occasional berry.
• Mourning doves are shy and often perch on a nearby telephone wire or fence, waiting for quiet time to forage for their next meal.
• Mourning doves often travel in pairs with their mate or in small family groups.

Four Of Our Favorite Mourning Dove Feeders

We’ve compared a few of the best mourning dove feeders and highlighted their unique characteristics. From classic wooden bird feeders to eco-friendly ground feeders and whimsical squirrels, we’re sure you’ll find a favorite.

Click the links to each item or use the Read Our Review button to jump to each individual review section below and learn more about each item, including a summary of customer feedback.

Image	Product Name	Features	Learn More
	JCs Wildlife Tray Ground Bird Feeder	Product Features Made from weather-resistant poly lumber Holds 8 cups of Seed Platform Style Feeder Sits 8.5 inches off the ground	Check Price on AmazonRead Our review
	3 in 1 Wild Platform Tray Bird Feeder	Product Features Holds 3 pounds of seed Red cedar frame with a metal tray Several mounting options	Buy it @ WayfairRead Our Review
	Grey Bunny Ground Bird Feeder Tray	Product Features Cast iron materials Can attach to deck railing Sits 2 inches high	Check Price on AmazonRead Our Review
	Woodland Squirrel Bird Feeder	Product Features Unique fun ground feeder About the size of an actual squirrel Hold a large handful of seed	Find it @ WalmartRead Our Review

More About Our Top Four Platform Feeders For Doves

We’ve researched the bird feeders below to find out what customers love about each and if there are any problems to watch out for.

All of these bird feeders get great reviews, but some may be a better fit for you based on your personal style and backyard area. Enjoy the list!

1 – JCs Wildlife Tray Ground Bird Feeder

The JC Wildlife Tray Ground Bird Feeder is a great choice for any bird lover or backyard gardener. This stylish feeder features an open tray design that accommodates all types of ground-feeding birds, including mourning doves.

A removable lift-out seed tray sits inside the feeder, making cleaning up after your feathered friends easy. 

Plus, this eco-friendly recycled poly lumber body will not crack, split, or fade over time. Choose from six color combinations, including black, blue, gray, green, yellow, and the bright cardinal red pictured above.

What we like:

• Colorful options
• Sturdy construction, made in the USA
• Liftout tray makes it easy to clean & fill
• Good design for ground feeders

If you want a colorful ground feeder made from eco-friendly poly lumber, check out the JCs Wildlife Tray Ground Bird Feeder.

2. 3 in 1 Wild Platform Tray Bird Feeder

The Woodlink Audubon 3 in 1 is a feeder is a versatile platform feeder that can be hung from a tree, mounted on a pole, or used as a ground feeder. 

With so many options, the feeder can attract a variety of birds, including juncos, jays, goldfinches, doves, cardinals, and bluebirds.

Made in the USA from reforested, inland red cedar, this feeder is long-lasting. Its removable screen bottom design allows proper drainage so your birdseed doesn’t stay wet after heavy rain and become spoiled.

Six-inch legs are included to use as a ground feeder. It can be mounted with either Woodlinks pole or post-mounting systems. 

What we like:

• A versatile feeder with three mounting options 
• Removable tray for cleaning
• Made from sustainable materials. 

If you want a classic wooden bird feeder that works for various birds, check out the Audubon Wild Bird 3 in 1 Feeder by Woodlink.

3. Ground Bird Feeder Tray

The Ground Bird Feeder Tray by the Grey Bunny is designed for those who feed their birds off of the ground, so it’s the perfect style for our lovely doves. Made with durable steel mesh and a rust-resistant black powder coating, this tray will provide your feathered friends food in any weather condition and is easy to clean. 

What makes this bird feeder cool in our book is that you can also mount it to your deck railing. This is a nice option if you want to feed the doves where you can see them easier or if you live in an apartment.

The design prevents mess or spills and keeps seeds secure in the tray. The two curved steel bars keep things balanced on uneven surfaces and avoid tipping when birds perch on the feeder. 

What we like:

• Designed for ground feeders
• Easy to clean
• Deck mounting option

4. Woodland Squirrel Bird Feeder

This lifelike feeder features a brown squirrel who serves up seeds from his bushy tail to any ground-feeding birds.

The squirrel has an adorable face, fluffy tail, and plump body—it’s not hard to see why it would be such an attention-grabber in any garden. Although it holds fewer seeds than some other feeders on the market, its open design makes it easy to fill with a handful of seeds when you want to watch the birds come for their snack. 

What we like:

• Unique design
• It can be placed anywhere, on the porch, patio, or garden
• Fun for the kids to fill
• Great gift idea

Drawbacks:

• Doesn’t hold as much seed as other feeders

If you’re looking for a unique and fun bird feeder to brighten up your yard this Spring, the Woodland Squirrel Bird Feeder is a fun choice!

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Frequently Asked Questions When Feeding Mourning Doves

Which feeders are best for mourning doves?

Mourning doves prefer ground feeders since they like to forage for their meals. However, they will also visit other open-style bird feeders, such as a platform, hopper-style, or tray feeder as long as they are big enough for them to perch while eating.

Where should I put the feeder?

Place the feeder on the ground in an open area near bushes or shrubs that will provide a little bit of cover. Two good ideas are along the edge of the garden bed or under the canopy of a tree. 

What can you feed mourning doves?

Mourning doves enjoy millet, black oil sunflower seeds, Nyjer, cracked corn, and even peanuts. Shelled sunflower seeds, oats, and milo are a few more good choices.

How can I attract more morning doves?

In addition to adding a bird feeder for them, you can also try these tips.

• Sprinkle the birdseed on the ground near your feeder.
• Add a water feature to your yard, like a birdbath or fountain.
• Keep your cat or dog away from the area where your bird feeder is located. Mourning doves can be a little shy and won’t frequent an area inhabited by your pets.
• Plant a berry bush nearby for them to enjoy as a treat.
• Add a morning dove nesting box or shelter for them to roost.

In Summary

Mourning doves are graceful birds that are a pleasure to watch in our gardens and backyards. Add a new mourning dove bird feeder to encourage these beauties to make your yard one of their favorite dining spots. 

And be sure to place it in an area where you can watch them putter about as they enjoy your new feeder!

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