Mourning Doves are frequent visitors to backyard feeding stations across North America. These gentle birds are granivores, meaning their diet is composed almost entirely of seeds and grains found on the ground. While they naturally forage for small wild seeds, they are opportunistic feeders that readily accept supplements from humans. Peanuts, with their high-energy content, are a popular offering that doves can safely consume, provided they are prepared and presented correctly as a supplemental treat.
Nutritional Value and Safety Considerations
Peanuts are an excellent source of energy for doves, containing approximately 45% fat and 24% protein. This high concentration of macronutrients provides a significant caloric boost, beneficial during colder months or the demanding breeding season. However, this high-fat density means peanuts should only be offered in moderation, serving as an energy supplement to their primary seed diet.
The most serious safety concern associated with peanuts is the potential for Aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxin is a potent liver toxin and carcinogen produced by the Aspergillus mold, which thrives when peanuts are stored improperly in warm, damp, or dark conditions. Birds are highly susceptible to the toxic effects of this mold, which can be fatal even at low levels.
To ensure safety, only purchase peanuts specifically tested for Aflatoxin or use high-quality, human-grade peanuts. All peanuts offered must be raw or dry-roasted and completely unsalted and unseasoned. The sodium and other additives found in human snack peanuts are toxic to doves. Avoid any peanuts that appear discolored, shriveled, or moldy, and store your supply in a dry, sealed container to prevent mold growth.
Proper Presentation for Ground Feeding Doves
Doves are naturally ground foragers, spending most of their feeding time walking across open areas to pick up seeds. Unlike many smaller backyard birds, they are not adapted to cling to hanging feeders and struggle to perch on small feeding ports. Their preference is to eat on a flat, stable surface.
When offering peanuts, they must be broken into small, manageable pieces, such as crushed or kibbled fragments. Doves swallow their food whole and rely on their muscular gizzard to grind the seeds. Whole peanuts or large halves pose a significant choking hazard, especially for smaller dove species. Crushing the peanuts into small fragments prevents this risk and aids in digestion.
The best way to serve these pieces is by scattering them directly on the ground in a safe, open area or by placing them on a low, flat platform or tray feeder. This presentation aligns with their innate ground-feeding behavior and allows them to quickly and easily gather the small pieces. Ensure you only put out small amounts at a time to prevent uneaten food from becoming damp and developing dangerous mold.
Peanuts Compared to a Dove’s Natural Diet
The natural diet of doves, such as the common Mourning Dove, is comprised nearly entirely of small seeds and grains. These birds are highly specialized granivores, with their wild food sources consisting of seeds from weeds, wild grasses, and agricultural crops. The bulk of a dove’s nutrition should come from familiar small seeds that mimic their natural foraging diet.
Excellent options to form the foundation of their feeder consumption include white millet, cracked corn, and safflower seeds. These seeds are typically scattered on the ground or offered in low feeders. Peanuts are a calorie-dense supplement, providing a quick energy reserve, but they should never displace their primary intake of these smaller grains and seeds.