They rarely feed on insects. Food is found by sight or by seeing other birds feeding. Doves are attracted to fresh grain, such as wheat. The food must fall to the ground in order for the dove to eat it. Mourning doves have the ability to remember where they found food.
Doves produce a high protein food from grain in the form of pigeon milk which is fed to their young.
The Mourning dove can be found throughout the United States, particularly in agricultural areas. Doves prefer open land and areas of natural grasses. It is uncommon to find doves in forest areas, swamps or marshes. Nesting On the earliest warm day in January, courtship will begin. The male will coo to the female from a perch in a nearby tree.