There are 3 types of doves in Maryland 2024. Doves are gentle and beautiful birds found worldwide. They coo softly and help the environment by controlling insects and serving as food for hawks and owls.
In Maryland, you will find 3 types of dove species mourning doves (the most common), Eurasian collared doves (non-native, with a black collar), and rock pigeons (also non-native, with gray plumage and a white rump).
Let’s explore these 3 types of doves habitat, diet, color, behavior, nest, and how to attract them to yards. etc.
Mourning Doves in Maryland
The mourning dove is the most common dove species in Maryland. These types of doves are also most common in North America. You can easily find these types of doves in Michigan.
It is a grayish-brown bird with a long pointed tail. Mourning doves are ground feeders means they are often seen in flocks feeding on the ground, especially in open areas such as fields, lawns, and parks.
The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is a widespread dove species found throughout California.
Mourning Dove always prefers to live in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, fields, meadows, and urban areas.
They are more attracted to areas with open ground where they can easily feed and make nests. Mourning Doves also make nests in Arizona’s open habitats.
Doves build their nest in trees, shrubs, and even on the ground. They make their nest with sticks and leaves.
Mourning doves are seed eaters. They mostly eat a variety of seeds, including millet, oats, wheat, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds.
Mourning doves are not considered to be threatened or endangered in Maryland. However, you can help mourning doves to do these things, such as:
- Providing bird feeders with millet, oat, wheat, and sunflower seeds.
- Planting trees and shrubs that provide nesting sites for doves.
- Avoiding the use of pesticides, which can harm doves and their food sources.
Doves will also eat insects, such as caterpillars and beetles, especially when they are feeding their young.
How to Attract Mourning Doves to Your Yard
If you want to attract mourning doves to your yard, there are a few things you can do:
- Provide a bird feeder with millet, oats, wheat, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds.
- Plant trees and shrubs that provide nesting sites for doves.
- Keep your yard clean and free of debris.
- Provide a source of water, such as a birdbath or fountain.
Eurasian Collared Doves in Maryland
The Eurasian Collared-dove is not a native dove in Maryland. These doves have become increasingly common in Maryland in recent years.
But Eurasian collared doves are common and native doves in Florida.
It is slightly larger than the mourning dove and has a distinctive black collar around its neck. You can easily spot them in urban areas, where they feed on scraps and birdseed.
Eurasian collared doves prefer to live in a variety of habitats, including urban areas, suburbs, farmland, and open woodlands.
Just noticed that they are usually attracted to areas with open ground where they can feed and nest. The Eurasian collared dove is a bird you might see in Georgia.
Eurasian collared doves will build their nests in trees, shrubs, or even on the ground. Their nests are typically made of sticks and leaves.
Eurasian collared-doves are omnivores. They eat a variety of seeds, insects, and scraps. Eurasian Collared Doves are the most common doves in Alaska.
Eurasian collared doves are often seed-feeding on bird feeders if they offer millet, oat, wheat, or cracked corn.
Eurasian collared doves are not considered to be threatened or endangered in Maryland. However, they are considered to be an invasive species in some parts of the world.
How to Attract Eurasian Collared-Doves to Your Yard
If you want to attract Eurasian collared doves to your yard, there are a few things you can do:
- Provide a bird feeder with millet, oats, wheat, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds.
- Keep your yard clean and free of debris.
- Provide a source of water, such as a birdbath or fountain.
Rock Pigeons in Maryland
Rock pigeons are also known as common pigeons. Rock pigeons are the most common dove species in Maryland. They are also common types of doves in Louisiana.
They are large birds with grey plumage and a white rump. Rock pigeons are often seen in urban areas. They can also be found in rural areas, where they nest on buildings.
Rock pigeons are not native to Maryland. They were introduced to North America in the 17th century. Rock pigeons are social birds.
They often live in large flocks. They are also monogamous birds, and they mate for life. Rock pigeons lay two eggs at a time, and both parents help to hatch the eggs and raise the chicks.
Rock pigeons help to control insect populations and they are a food source for other animals, such as hawks and owls.
How to Attract Rock Pigeons to Your Yard
If you want to attract rock pigeons to your yard, there are a few things you can do:
- Provide a bird feeder with millet, oats, wheat, or cracked corn.
- Put out scraps of bread or other food.
- Provide a source of water, such as a birdbath or fountain.
Rock pigeons are also attracted to areas where they can nest. If you have a ledge or other suitable nesting site on your property, rock pigeons may build a nest there.
Conclusion
Doves are gentle and beautiful birds that are a common sight in Maryland. They play an important role in the ecosystem, and they are popular game birds in some parts of the country. If you are interested in learning more about doves in Maryland, there are several resources available to help you.
