Food Habits Doves are primarily seed eaters. Preferred weed seeds include, pigweed, foxtails, wild sunflower, and ragweed. Preferred grains include, corn, sorghum, sunflower, and millets. Daily feeding movements of young and adults average 2-8 miles, water is required daily. Limiting Factors Annual mortality rates for mourning doves are very high with only 4 out of 10 doves surviving from one year to the next.
Research shows mourning doves experience unusually high losses from a variety of natural factors.
Predators, disease, accidents, and weather extremes all take their toll on adult and young doves. Habitat Needs Mourning doves are called habitat generalists because of their ability to adapt to a wide variety of habitats, including coniferous forests, residential areas, and agricultural areas. Mourning dove habitat needs include trees in proper relation to open areas for nesting and roosting, a combination of wild and cultivated foods for feeding, and a source of water. Iowans can improve dove habitat on their lands by planting shelterbelts and providing a food source nearby. It has been recognized as a game species under Iowa law since 1937, but the Iowa DNR does not have the authority to open a dove season.