How to Make Nesting Boxes for Large Wild Doves

Classic birdhouses do not attract wild doves. Doves prefer shallower nesting areas, which can be provided by building cones instead of boxes. Doves have the longest breeding season of all birds, so building a cone near a house will provide the best view of the bird's long nesting period. Because doves mate for life, the mates often return to the same nesting area and raise several sets of two eggs in the nest.

Things You'll Need

  • At least 12 inches squared of wire mesh or hardware cloth
  • Tin snips
  • Flexible wire
  • Dry leaves or dry grass
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the 12 inches squared of wire mesh or hardware cloth into a circle by trimming the edges of the wire or cloth with the tin snips. The circle should now be a little less than 12 inches from edge to edge.

    • 2

      Cut a wedge shape out of the circle with the tin snips. The wedge shape should be between 2 and 3 inches wide at its thickest point. The circle should now look like a piece of mesh pie with one slice missing.

    • 3

      Take each end of the circle where the wedge piece is missing and pull them together. The circle should bend into a cone shape. Secure the cone shape by twisting pieces of the flexible wire in between the open sections of the mesh. Use as many as needed. The cone should hold its own shape without being held.

    • 4

      Turn the cone shape with the point toward the floor and fill about half way with dry leaves or dry grass. Do not pack the leaves or grass down, leave them hanging loosely in the cone.

    • 5

      Place the cone in the crook or elbow of a pine tree or other tree near the house. If the cone will not stay by itself, secure the cone with some of the leftover flexible wire.