Gardeners hoping to see doves throughout October can attract them by placing a single key item outside: small seeds. Wild Birds Unlimited, described as “backyard bird feeding experts,” shared advice on Instagram, noting that “backyard doves are among the most cherished bird visitors.” The post suggests three options, with one generally highly praised.
What to Put Out for Doves
To attract doves such as Collared Doves or Woodpigeons to a UK garden, provide a reliable supply of small seeds. Scatter food on the ground or use a flat bird table, and maintain a safe nesting shelter. Doves particularly love small seeds like white millet, which is a good option. If that is hard to find, sunflower hearts can be used instead.
It is wise to put out only small amounts of food at a time so it is eaten quickly. Leftover food on the ground can attract unwanted pests like rats, so caution is advised.
Which Birds Will Visit
The Eurasian Collared Dove is the main true dove species regularly attracted to UK gardens. To invite white doves (typically white domestic or feral pigeons), you need to provide the right types of grains, flat feeding spaces, and a safe, welcoming environment. If you live near a loft or keep domestic doves, they may visit. Otherwise, regular garden pigeons and pale-hued wild doves like the buff-grey Collared Dove are far more common in the UK.
Extra Help for Doves
Other steps can help protect doves. Leave out a shallow, clean bird bath for drinking and bathing, placed in an open area where doves can spot approaching cats or predators easily, and keep it refreshed and clean daily. Shelter can also be offered: doves are simple and untidy nesters, building loose stick platforms in trees or thick shrubs. Let hedges, ivy, or deciduous trees grow thick and dense to offer natural cover and safe nesting sites.
Keep the garden quiet and safe, minimising loud noises and heavy foot traffic in feeding areas. Ensure feeding areas are close enough to an escape route such as a tree or large shrub so doves can dart away from predators, but far enough that cats cannot ambush them from hidden cover. As the weather cools in autumn, doves frequently visit gardens looking for supplementary food like seeds and grains left on tables or the ground, making October a good time to attract them.
