Will they visit?: Non-native doves have adapted well to urban areas and visit home gardens regularly
Natural Distribution: Widespread throughout the South West and Perth region
‘Laughing Dove (C)Georgina Steytler 2015 birdlifephotography.org.au’
‘Laughing Dove (C)Jason Moore 2019 birdlifephotography.org.au’
‘Laughing Dove (C)Philip Karstadt 2018 birdlifephotography.org.au’
‘Spotted Dove (C)John Barkla 2013 birdlifephotography.org.au’
‘Spotted Dove (C)Mel Mitchell 2007 birdlifephotography.org.au’
‘Spotted Dove (C)Ray Fox 2016 birdlifephotography.org.au’
Habitat at a Glance
See Habitat Guide for more detail
Shelter: Nests built in trees, shrubs, and man-made structures
Diet: Seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects
Water: Bird baths and frog ponds
ReWild Benefit: Not applicable
Habitat Guide - Shelter
Natural Shelter
Non-native doves make very flimsy nests in a variety of habitats. Non-native doves are ture urbanites and will make their nests in trees, shrubs, the eves of houses, even in traffic lights!
Novel Shelter
Not applicable.
Habitat Guide - Food and Water
Providing natural sources of food
Non-native Doves feed on seeds from garden plants and weeds. They are unlikely to live beyond urban areas and are seen in local parks and gardens. They will readily visit gardens where bird seed is provided – so reconsider buying bird seed for wild birds.
Providing sources of water
Doves prefer to live reasonably close to water and frequently drink and bathe in bird baths and ponds.
ReWild Benefits
Non-native doves are often confined to urban and developed areas. They are often predated on by birds-of-prey and other predators. You can keep them out of the garden by not leaving out bird seed. If you want to know more visit BirdLife Australia. If you have seen one in your neighbourhood or around the home you can record your sighting on Birdata and help scientists monitor their population.
