Doves. They're pretty, but they're also notorious for their ability to outcompete other birds at feeders, gobbling up all the seed and leaving little for the smaller, more desirable species. If you're tired of seeing only doves at your feeder, it's time to consider a dove-proof design. This guide will explore the best options available to help you attract a wider variety of birds to your backyard.
Understanding Dove Feeding Habits
Before we delve into specific feeder types, understanding dove behavior is crucial. Doves are relatively large birds with powerful beaks and a preference for larger seeds. They are also opportunistic feeders, readily consuming spilled seed from the ground. Effective dove-proofing focuses on preventing these birds from accessing the food easily.
Key Features of Dove-Proof Feeders:
- Weight-activated mechanisms: These feeders only dispense seed when a lighter bird lands. Doves are too heavy to trigger the mechanism consistently.
- Small perches or no perches at all: Doves prefer to perch while feeding; eliminating perches makes it more difficult for them to access the seed comfortably.
- Suet cages: Offering suet in a cage keeps larger birds, like doves, from easily accessing it.
- Tube feeders with small ports: These feeders only allow smaller birds to access the seed. Doves struggle to reach into the narrow openings.
- Elevated feeders: Placing feeders higher off the ground reduces ground feeding, limiting doves' access to spilled seeds.
Top Dove-Proof Feeder Designs:
Here are some of the best types of bird feeders specifically designed to deter doves while attracting other bird species:
1. Weight-Activated Feeders:
These feeders are a popular choice. The mechanism only releases seed when a lighter bird lands, effectively preventing heavier doves from accessing the food. Look for models with adjustable sensitivity to fine-tune the weight threshold.
2. Tube Feeders with Small Ports:
Narrow ports make it difficult for doves to reach the seed, giving smaller birds a feeding advantage. These feeders often work well with niger seeds, attracting smaller birds like finches. Ensure the ports are appropriately sized for the birds you want to attract.
3. Suet Feeders with Cages:
Suet is a high-energy food source that many birds enjoy. Using a caged suet feeder prevents larger birds, including doves, from easily accessing the suet. The cage design allows smaller birds to feed safely.
4. Tray Feeders with Baffles:
While standard tray feeders are easily accessible to doves, adding baffles or creating a cover over the tray can deter them from accessing the seed. Baffles create obstacles that prevent doves from landing easily.
5. Hopper Feeders with Narrow Openings:
Hopper feeders offer a considerable amount of seed, but by ensuring the openings are small enough, you prevent doves from easily accessing the food.
Additional Tips for Dove Control:
Even the best dove-proof feeder will not be 100% effective. Combining a strategic feeder choice with these additional tips can significantly reduce dove visits:
- Clean up spilled seed regularly: Removing spilled seeds on the ground eliminates a readily available food source for doves.
- Offer seed doves dislike: Certain seed types, such as thistle or niger seeds, are less appealing to doves.
- Placement is key: Place feeders in locations that are less accessible to doves, such as away from open areas or under overhanging branches.
By combining a strategically selected dove-proof feeder with diligent maintenance and clever placement, you can enjoy a more diverse range of bird species visiting your backyard. Remember to monitor your feeder's effectiveness and adjust your strategy as needed to achieve the best results.