We collected metabolic efficiency and consumption data on 12 seed diets fed to captive mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) under simulated winter conditions. Doves consumed 7-17 g/day of 8 diets (i.e., acceptable) and 0.8-3.5 g/day of 4 diets (i.e., unacceptable). Metabolic efficiencies of doves on the 8 acceptable diets ranged from 69 to 94%. The foods differed in apparent metabolizable energy value to doves