Eurasian Collared-Doves in Washington
When Eurasian doves are present in Washington, when they nest, which native Washington plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4a–9a yard.
- Status in Washington
- Year-round resident
- Nesting window
- March–September
- Broods
- 3–6 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4a–9a
When to expect Eurasian doves in Washington
Eurasian Collared-Doves live in Washington all year. Mild, wet winters on the Puget Sound; cold winters in the east. That makes the cold months the time your yard matters most to them: their winter diet shifts toward grain and feeder seed.
Marine west-coast climate west of the Cascades, semi-arid shrub-steppe to the east.
Nesting in Washington
Across Washington, Eurasian doves typically nest from March–September. Nest site: flimsy twig platform on buildings or trees. Females lay 2 eggs, incubate for 14–18 days, and young leave the nest after 15–19 days.
Dry, sunny summers west of the Cascades; hot in the Columbia Basin.
- Eurasian Collared-Doves don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, rabbitbrush for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after September.
Native Washington plants that attract Eurasian doves
Of the regional native plants we track for Washington, these 8 provide food or cover Eurasian doves use:
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.
Annual native sunflower — the original feeder seed.
Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Feeding Eurasian doves through the Washington year
Introduced to the Bahamas in the 1970s, it reached nearly every state by 2010.
- Best foods: Millet, Cracked corn, Sunflower.
- In Washington's winter: Mild, wet winters on the Puget Sound; cold winters in the east.
Full diet breakdown for Eurasian doves · Best feeder for Eurasian doves
Frequently asked
Are Eurasian doves in Washington year-round?
Yes. Eurasian Collared-Doves are year-round residents in Washington.
When do Eurasian doves nest in Washington?
Nesting in Washington typically runs March–September, with 3–6 per season. Clutches are 2 eggs, incubated for 14–18 days.
What native plants attract Eurasian doves in Washington?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Rabbitbrush are native plants in Washington that provide food or cover for Eurasian doves.
Eurasian Collared-Doves in other regions
Other backyard birds in Washington
Sources
- Eurasian Collared-Dove — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Eurasian Collared-Dove life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Eurasian Collared-Dove — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Washington
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.