Doves like to be feed on the ground. They will feed from a platform feeder. Many people consider doves the rats of the birds but the are soo good at eating insects in by gardens.

cardy, they will eat directly off the ground or out of one of those large saucers that potted plants sit in. They eat millet, cracked corn, safflower, sunflower and most all purpose bird seed mixes. At my feeders a lot of birds prefer the ground: cardinals, blue jays, native sparrows, juncos all eat with the mourning doves.

I can't imagine anyone considering them rat-like. They are lovely, delicate coloring; beautiful, plaintive call; graceful head and neck. I would miss them from my garden if they stopped coming.

Marnie

I would miss them also but a friend has 48 that she told me come to her feeder every day. I miss my twenty or so I had two years ago and envey her.

Before the die-off there were several that were too tame and I had to watch when I stepped back from the feeder.

Try to be sure you feed your Doves under some kind of cover, a big tree or something, so the hawks don't spot them as easily. Hawks prefer Doves as they are easy prey and a nice size meal.