How to Make a Roost for Mourning Doves

Mourning doves in the United States typically stay in one area during the winter. Dove habitats consist of nests, feeding spots and roosts that protect them from harsh weather. They use their simple nests for only a couple of weeks until their young have hatched and are ready to live on their own. Then, adult doves move on to build another nest and hatch another brood of babies. Roosts are typically more sturdy than doves' nests. While holes in trees and clumps of brush can serve as safe, natural roosts for mourning doves, you can provide one or more roosts to attract doves. They will begin to nest in nearby trees or brush and will eat birdseed or insects on the ground in that area.

Things You'll Need

  • 3/4-inch pine wood
  • measuring tape
  • scroll saw
  • sandpaper
  • wood screws
  • drill
  • drill bits
  • screwdriver
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Mark and cut three 12-inch squares of pine wood with a scroll saw. Mark and cut two pieces of pine that are 12 inches tall and 6 inches wide.

    • 2

      Sand the edges of all wood pieces so there are no rough edges to harm the doves.

    • 3

      Use a drill bit the same diameter as your wood screws. Drill a hole in each of the 4 corners of the two 6-by-12-inch pieces of wood.

    • 4

      Place the bottom edge of one 6-by-12-inch pieces of wood against one bottom edge of a 12-inch-square piece. Use a screwdriver to fasten a wood screw through each of the two drilled holes and into the bottom side edge of the 12-inch square. Repeat this step to fasten the top edge of the 6-by-12-inch wood piece to the top side edge of the 12-inch square.

    • 5

      Repeat Step 4 to fasten the 6-by-12-inch piece of wood to the edges of the 12-inch-square wood to create the top, bottom and sides of the roost.

    • 6

      Drill three evenly spaced holes along the top and bottom edges of the third 12-inch-square piece of wood to create the back of the roost. Place the piece of wood against the open back area of the roost. Fasten a wood screw through each of the holes along the top of the back wood piece. Fasten a wood screw through each of the holes along the bottom of the back wood piece.

    • 7

      Work through the open front side to drill two or more holes through the back of the roost. Use wood screws to fasten the roost to a tree, the side of a barn or garage, or under an eave of your house.

    • 8

      Place some dried leaves or grass inside the roost, if desired.