What You Need to Know Before Considering Mourning Doves as Pets

Photo by Sebastian Graser on Unsplash

Understanding Mourning Doves and Their Place in the Wild

Mourning doves are among the most familiar wild birds in North America. Known for their gentle demeanor and soft cooing calls, they are a common sight in suburban backyards and rural landscapes. Their adaptability and distinctive appearance-slender bodies, long tails, and muted brown coloring-make them easily recognizable. Many people are drawn to their calm nature and may wonder if mourning doves can be kept as pets. However, the relationship between people and native wild birds like mourning doves is governed by important laws, ethical considerations, and best practices for wildlife care.

Legal Restrictions: Mourning Doves as Pets

In the United States, it is illegal to keep native wild birds, including mourning doves, as pets without special permits. This prohibition is rooted in the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act , which protects mourning doves and most other native songbirds. This law makes it a federal crime to possess, capture, or sell these birds without authorization from designated wildlife agencies. This restriction applies in all 50 states and is strictly enforced to prevent harm to wild bird populations and discourage the illegal pet trade [3] , [1] , [2] .

Attempting to keep a mourning dove as a pet without proper credentials can result in substantial fines and legal penalties. Even well-intentioned individuals who try to rescue or raise a wild dove may inadvertently break the law. Anyone who finds an injured or orphaned mourning dove should contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or their state’s wildlife agency for guidance and to ensure the bird receives appropriate care [3] .

Ethical Considerations and the Well-Being of Mourning Doves

Beyond legal issues, there are important ethical reasons to avoid keeping wild mourning doves as pets. Wild birds have evolved to thrive in their natural habitats, and captivity can severely compromise their physical and psychological health. Mourning doves raised by humans often struggle to socialize with their own species and may never be able to breed successfully. In wildlife conservation, great care is taken to prevent young birds from imprinting on humans, as this can interfere with their survival instincts and ability to re-enter the wild [1] .

When people take in wild birds, even with good intentions, they risk altering the animals’ natural behavior in ways that can negatively affect their long-term survival. The ethical best practice is always to support the rehabilitation and release of wild animals, ensuring they have the best chance to live out their lives in their natural environment.

What to Do If You Find an Injured or Orphaned Mourning Dove

If you come across an injured or baby mourning dove, the recommended steps are:

Observe the bird from a distance to determine if immediate intervention is needed. Sometimes, fledglings are learning to fly and may not require human help.
If the bird is clearly injured or abandoned, contact your nearest licensed wildlife rehabilitator. State fish and game agencies or animal control departments can provide contact information for local experts.
Handle the bird as little as possible and keep it in a quiet, safe place until professional help arrives.
Do not attempt to raise the bird yourself or keep it as a pet, even temporarily, unless you have received explicit instructions from a licensed rehabilitator. This reduces the risk of imprinting and increases the chances of a successful release [3] .

For further assistance, you can search for “licensed wildlife rehabilitator [your state]” or contact your state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Alternatives for Bird Lovers: Legal Pet Doves and Responsible Bird Keeping

People who are fascinated by doves and want to enjoy their companionship have legal and ethical alternatives. Several non-native dove species are commonly bred and kept as pets, including:

Ring-necked doves (Streptopelia risoria) : Also known as domesticated ring doves, these birds are widely available from breeders and pet stores. They are not protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and can be kept legally where local laws permit.
Diamond doves (Geopelia cuneata) : Native to Australia but bred in captivity worldwide, diamond doves are small, quiet, and well-suited to aviary life.

Those interested in keeping doves as pets should:

Research state and local regulations regarding ownership of exotic or non-native birds.
Purchase birds only from reputable breeders or rescue organizations that comply with legal and welfare standards.
Provide appropriate housing, nutrition, and enrichment to support the birds’ welfare.
Never release non-native doves into the wild, as this can disrupt local ecosystems.

For more information on responsible bird keeping, consult established aviculture organizations or your local animal control agency.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Many people who attempt to keep wild birds as pets are motivated by compassion or a desire to help. However, captivity often leads to unintended consequences, such as:

Imprinting, which makes it difficult or impossible for birds to reintegrate with their species.
Health issues stemming from improper diet or lack of exercise.
Legal problems resulting from unintentional violations of wildlife protection laws.

To avoid these challenges, always seek professional guidance when assisting wild animals. If you wish to experience the joy of birds up close, consider participating in bird watching activities, setting up bird feeders, or supporting wildlife habitat conservation projects. These approaches allow for a meaningful connection with nature without compromising the well-being of wild birds [1] .

Step-By-Step Guidance for Interested Individuals

If you are interested in learning more about mourning doves or wish to contribute to their conservation, you can:

Observe mourning doves in the wild by setting up feeders or water sources in your backyard. This provides support for wild populations and offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Participate in citizen science projects such as the Great Backyard Bird Count or Project FeederWatch, which track bird populations and contribute to scientific research. Visit established birding organizations such as the Cornell Lab of Ornithology by searching for “Project FeederWatch” for more information.
Support wildlife rehabilitation and conservation by donating to or volunteering with licensed organizations dedicated to helping injured or orphaned wild birds.
Consider caring for legal pet dove species by researching reputable breeders and confirming the species is permitted in your area.

For specific questions about wildlife regulations or bird care options in your state, contact your state wildlife agency or animal control department. Search for “[Your State] Department of Wildlife” to locate contact details and available resources.

Key Takeaways

While mourning doves may seem like ideal pets due to their gentle nature, it is both illegal and unethical to keep them as pets in the United States without special permits. Instead, bird enthusiasts can support mourning doves by observing them in the wild, participating in conservation efforts, or keeping legal non-native dove species as pets. If you find an injured or orphaned mourning dove, seek guidance from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator to ensure the best possible outcome for the bird.