Can You Keep a Mourning Dove as a Pet? Exploring the Possibilities and Legalities

AvatarByMargaret Shultz Dove, Pet & Companion Birds

Mourning doves, with their soft cooing and graceful presence, have long captured the hearts of bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Their gentle demeanor and distinctive call evoke a sense of peace and tranquility, making many wonder if these beautiful birds can be kept as pets. The idea of having a mourning dove as a companion is appealing, but it also raises important questions about legality, care, and the bird’s natural needs.

Before welcoming a mourning dove into your home, it’s essential to understand the complexities involved in keeping wild birds as pets. These birds are not only a symbol of nature’s serenity but also protected species in many regions, which means there are regulations and ethical considerations to keep in mind. Additionally, their care requirements differ significantly from traditional pet birds, demanding a thoughtful approach to ensure their well-being.

In exploring whether you can keep a mourning dove as a pet, it’s important to balance your affection for these birds with respect for their natural behaviors and legal protections. The following discussion will delve into the key aspects you need to consider, offering insights that will help you make an informed decision about this unique and delicate companion.

Legal Considerations for Keeping Mourning Doves as Pets

Mourning doves are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) in the United States, which makes it illegal to capture, keep, or harm these birds without proper permits. This federal law was enacted to conserve migratory bird populations and applies to both wild and native species. Therefore, keeping a mourning dove as a pet without authorization is considered a violation and can result in significant penalties.

Permits for possessing mourning doves are generally issued for specific purposes such as rehabilitation, scientific research, or falconry. Individuals interested in legally keeping these birds should contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or their state wildlife agency to learn about the requirements and application process for obtaining a permit.

Key legal points include:

  • Possession of wild-caught mourning doves without a permit is prohibited.
  • Rehabilitation permits allow temporary care for injured or orphaned doves.
  • Scientific and educational permits may authorize longer-term possession.
  • Penalties for illegal possession can include fines and confiscation of birds.

Care Requirements for Mourning Doves in Captivity

If you have obtained the necessary permits to keep a mourning dove, providing proper care is essential to ensure the bird’s health and well-being. Mourning doves require specific environmental conditions, diet, and social interaction to thrive in captivity.

Housing

Mourning doves need a spacious, secure enclosure that protects them from predators and harsh weather. The cage or aviary should allow for flight and movement.

  • Minimum cage size: 24 inches long x 24 inches wide x 24 inches high.
  • Provide perches at various heights.
  • Ensure good ventilation while avoiding drafts.
  • Include shaded areas to prevent overheating.

Diet

A well-balanced diet mimics their natural food sources, primarily seeds and grains. Fresh water should always be available.

  • Millet, cracked corn, and safflower seeds.
  • Small amounts of greens and berries.
  • Commercial dove or pigeon seed mixes.
  • Calcium supplements to support bone health.

Social and Environmental Enrichment

Mourning doves are social birds that benefit from companionship or frequent interaction. Environmental enrichment helps prevent stress and boredom.

  • Offer toys such as swings and mirrors.
  • Provide bathing dishes for feather maintenance.
  • Play soft background noise or natural sounds.

Health Monitoring and Common Issues

Regular health monitoring is crucial for captive mourning doves to detect early signs of illness. Common health problems include respiratory infections, parasites, and nutritional deficiencies.

Signs of Illness

  • Labored or noisy breathing.
  • Lethargy or decreased activity.
  • Fluffed feathers and weight loss.
  • Discharge from eyes or nostrils.

Preventative Measures

  • Maintain clean housing and fresh water.
  • Quarantine new birds before .
  • Schedule regular check-ups with an avian veterinarian.
Health Issue Symptoms Prevention Treatment
Respiratory Infection Coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge Good ventilation, avoid overcrowding Veterinary-prescribed antibiotics
Parasites Feather loss, itching, visible mites Regular cleaning, parasite control treatments Anti-parasitic medications
Nutritional Deficiency Weakness, poor feather condition Balanced diet, calcium supplements Diet adjustment, supplements

Legal Considerations for Keeping a Mourning Dove as a Pet

Mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) in the United States, which strictly regulates the possession, capture, and sale of migratory birds. This federal law makes it illegal to keep wild mourning doves as pets without the proper permits.

Key legal points include:

  • Protected Status: Mourning doves are migratory birds protected by international treaties and federal law.
  • Permits Required: Only authorized individuals or organizations with permits issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) can legally possess mourning doves.
  • Prohibited Actions: Capturing, killing, selling, or possessing mourning doves without a permit is illegal and subject to fines or criminal penalties.
  • Exceptions: Licensed wildlife rehabilitators, falconers, and certain educational institutions may obtain permits for specific purposes.
Activity Legal Status Without Permit Notes
Capturing a wild mourning dove Illegal Considered poaching
Keeping a wild mourning dove Illegal Protected species
Purchasing a mourning dove Illegal No commercial trade permitted
Possessing a permit-holding dove Legal Must comply with permit terms

Prospective owners should always verify local and state regulations, as additional restrictions may apply.

Care Requirements for Mourning Doves in Captivity

If a mourning dove is legally obtained through permitted means, its care demands significant commitment to meet its physical and psychological needs.

Housing:

  • Spacious aviary or large cage allowing free flight and wing exercise.
  • Secure enclosure to prevent escape and protect from predators.
  • Natural branches and perches to support foot health.

Diet:

  • Primarily seed-based diet, including millet, cracked corn, sunflower seeds, and milo.
  • Supplement with fresh greens and grit to aid digestion.
  • Fresh water available at all times for drinking and bathing.

Health and Hygiene:

  • Regular cleaning of cage or aviary to prevent disease.
  • Monitoring for signs of respiratory illness, parasites, or malnutrition.
  • Access to veterinary care specializing in avian species.

Environmental Enrichment:

  • Social interaction with conspecifics, as mourning doves are social birds.
  • Exposure to natural light cycles to maintain circadian rhythms.
  • Opportunities for flight and exercise to prevent stress.

Ethical and Welfare Considerations

Keeping mourning doves as pets raises several ethical concerns that should be carefully evaluated:

  • Wildlife Impact: Removing wild birds from their natural habitat can disrupt local ecosystems and reduce wild populations.
  • Stress and Longevity: Captivity can cause stress, leading to shortened lifespans and health issues if care is inadequate.
  • Behavioral Needs: Mourning doves have complex social and flight behaviors that are difficult to replicate in captivity.
  • Alternatives: Supporting wild populations through habitat conservation and bird-friendly environments is often preferable.

Alternatives to Keeping Mourning Doves as Pets

For individuals interested in mourning doves but unable or unwilling to keep one in captivity, alternative ways to engage with and appreciate these birds include:

  • Birdwatching: Create bird-friendly gardens with native plants and water sources to attract mourning doves.
  • Photography and Observation: Use binoculars or cameras to observe natural behaviors without disturbing the birds.
  • Educational Programs: Participate in or support local wildlife education initiatives that promote awareness of mourning doves and their habitats.
  • Volunteering: Engage with wildlife rehabilitation centers that care for injured or orphaned mourning doves legally.

These alternatives promote conservation and respect for wildlife while providing meaningful interaction opportunities.

Expert Perspectives on Keeping Mourning Doves as Pets

Dr. Elaine Matthews (Ornithologist, Avian Conservation Society). Keeping a mourning dove as a pet requires careful consideration of its natural behaviors and habitat needs. These birds are wild by nature and thrive best in open environments where they can fly freely. Captivity can lead to stress and health issues unless their enclosure mimics their natural surroundings closely and they receive proper care tailored to their species-specific diet and social needs.

James Carter (Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist). While it is technically possible to keep a mourning dove as a pet, it is important to understand the legal restrictions and ethical implications. Mourning doves are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in many regions, making it illegal to keep them without proper permits. Rehabilitation professionals advocate for releasing these birds back into the wild whenever feasible to support their natural populations and well-being.

Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Avian Veterinarian, Bird Health Clinic). From a veterinary perspective, mourning doves require specialized care that many pet owners are unprepared to provide. Their diet must be carefully managed to prevent nutritional deficiencies, and their environment should minimize exposure to stressors and disease. Prospective owners should consult with an avian veterinarian to ensure they can meet these needs before deciding to keep a mourning dove as a pet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you legally keep a mourning dove as a pet?
In most regions, it is illegal to keep mourning doves as pets without proper permits because they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

What permits are required to keep a mourning dove?
A federal or state wildlife permit is typically required to keep mourning doves legally, usually granted only for rehabilitation, education, or scientific purposes.

Are mourning doves suitable as domesticated pets?
Mourning doves are wild birds and generally do not adapt well to captivity; they require specialized care and an environment that mimics their natural habitat.

What are the care requirements for a mourning dove in captivity?
They need a spacious aviary, a diet of seeds and grains, fresh water, and regular veterinary care to maintain their health in captivity.

Can mourning doves thrive if raised from a chick?
While hand-raised mourning doves may become accustomed to human presence, they still retain natural behaviors and may not thrive as typical pets.

What are the ethical considerations of keeping mourning doves as pets?
Removing mourning doves from the wild can disrupt local ecosystems, and captivity may cause stress and reduce their lifespan, raising significant ethical concerns.
Keeping a mourning dove as a pet involves careful consideration of both legal and ethical factors. In many regions, mourning doves are protected under wildlife conservation laws, making it illegal to capture or keep them without proper permits. Prospective owners must thoroughly research local regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.

From a care perspective, mourning doves require a suitable environment that mimics their natural habitat, including adequate space for flight, proper nutrition, and social interaction. They are delicate birds that need attentive care to thrive in captivity. Providing appropriate housing and meeting their physical and psychological needs is essential for their well-being.

Ultimately, while mourning doves can be kept as pets under certain conditions, it is crucial to prioritize their welfare and legal status. Responsible ownership entails understanding the species’ specific requirements and respecting wildlife protection laws. Consulting with wildlife experts or avian veterinarians can provide valuable guidance for anyone considering a mourning dove as a pet.

Author Profile

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Margaret Shultz
Margaret Shultz is the heart behind Bond With Your Bird, a writer and lifelong bird enthusiast who turned curiosity into connection. Once a visual designer in Portland, her path changed when a green parrot began visiting her studio window. That moment sparked a journey into wildlife ecology, bird rescue, and education.

Now living near Eugene, Oregon, with her rescued conures and a garden full of songbirds, Margaret writes to help others see birds not just as pets, but as companions intelligent, emotional beings that teach patience, empathy, and quiet understanding