Wildlife

UK Turtle Dove Supplementary Feeding Conservation

The role of supplementary feeding in supporting turtle dove populations and welfare during breeding season.

Key Facts

Supplementary feeding plots with fumitory and small-seeded weeds support turtle doves
Turtle doves breed in scrub and hedgerow close to feeding areas
Operation Turtle Dove provides management advice to landowners for breeding support
Males produce distinctive purring song from prominent hedgerow perches
Female turtle doves make up to three breeding attempts per season in good conditions

Welfare Considerations

Individual turtle doves benefit from supplementary feeding that supplements declining natural weed seed resources, with management plots delivering direct welfare and reproductive benefits.

What You Can Do

Create turtle dove feeding plots on farmland following Operation Turtle Dove guidance
Maintain scrub and hedgerow close to feeding areas for nesting habitat
Record turtle dove sightings to assist RSPB population monitoring