Can You Keep a Mourning Dove as a Pet? And Why Do They Always Look Like They're Plotting Something?

Mourning doves, with their soft coos and gentle demeanor, are a common sight in many backyards across North America. Their melancholic calls often evoke a sense of peace and tranquility, making them a favorite among bird enthusiasts. But can you keep a mourning dove as a pet? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Let’s dive into the complexities of keeping these birds in captivity, while also exploring the peculiar notion that they might be secretly plotting something.

The Legal and Ethical Considerations

First and foremost, it’s important to understand the legal and ethical implications of keeping a mourning dove as a pet. In many countries, including the United States, mourning doves are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This means that it is illegal to capture, keep, or harm these birds without a special permit. The law is in place to protect wild bird populations and ensure their survival in their natural habitats.

Even if you were to obtain a permit, there are ethical considerations to take into account. Mourning doves are wild animals, and they thrive in open spaces where they can fly freely. Confining them to a cage or an aviary could lead to stress, health issues, and a diminished quality of life. Unlike domesticated birds like parakeets or canaries, mourning doves have not been bred for life in captivity, and their needs are best met in the wild.

The Challenges of Caring for a Mourning Dove

Assuming you could legally and ethically keep a mourning dove as a pet, there are several challenges you would face. Mourning doves have specific dietary and environmental needs that can be difficult to replicate in a home setting.

Diet: In the wild, mourning doves primarily feed on seeds, grains, and occasionally insects. They have a unique way of drinking water, sucking it up rather than tilting their heads back like many other birds. Providing a balanced diet that mimics their natural food sources is essential for their health. This would require a variety of seeds, fresh water, and possibly supplements to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients.

Housing: Mourning doves are ground feeders and prefer open spaces where they can forage and fly. A standard bird cage would likely be too small and restrictive for them. An aviary with plenty of space to fly, perches, and areas for foraging would be more suitable. However, building and maintaining such an environment can be costly and time-consuming.

Social Needs: Mourning doves are social birds that often form strong pair bonds. In the wild, they are rarely seen alone, and they communicate with each other through soft coos and calls. Keeping a single mourning dove in captivity could lead to loneliness and stress. If you were to keep more than one, you would need to ensure they get along and have enough space to coexist peacefully.

The Mysterious Plotting Behavior

Now, let’s address the whimsical notion that mourning doves always look like they’re plotting something. This idea likely stems from their calm and observant demeanor. Mourning doves often sit quietly, their heads tilted slightly as if they’re deep in thought. Their large, dark eyes give them an almost contemplative appearance, which can be interpreted as plotting or scheming.

In reality, this behavior is simply a reflection of their natural instincts. Mourning doves are prey animals, and their survival depends on being alert and aware of their surroundings. Their stillness and watchfulness are strategies to avoid detection by predators. So, while it may seem like they’re plotting world domination, they’re really just trying to stay safe.

The Joy of Observing Mourning Doves in the Wild

Given the challenges and ethical concerns of keeping a mourning dove as a pet, it’s often more rewarding to observe them in their natural habitat. Mourning doves are abundant in many areas, and they can be easily attracted to your yard with the right setup.

Bird Feeders: Mourning doves are ground feeders, so placing a platform feeder or scattering seeds on the ground can attract them to your yard. They prefer seeds like millet, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn.

Water Sources: Providing a shallow birdbath or a small pond can also attract mourning doves, as they need water for drinking and bathing.

Shelter: Planting shrubs and trees can provide shelter and nesting sites for mourning doves. They prefer areas with dense foliage where they can hide from predators.

By creating a bird-friendly environment, you can enjoy the presence of mourning doves without the responsibilities and ethical dilemmas of keeping them as pets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it is technically possible to keep a mourning dove as a pet under certain circumstances, it is generally not recommended due to legal, ethical, and practical challenges. Mourning doves are wild birds that thrive in their natural habitats, and their needs are best met in the wild. Instead of keeping them as pets, consider creating a bird-friendly environment in your yard where you can observe and appreciate these beautiful birds from a distance.

And as for their mysterious plotting behavior? Well, that’s just part of their charm. Mourning doves may look like they’re deep in thought, but in reality, they’re just doing what they do best—surviving and thriving in the wild.

Related Q&A

Q: Can mourning doves be trained to do tricks? A: Mourning doves are not typically trainable in the same way that parrots or other domesticated birds are. They are wild animals with strong instincts, and their behavior is largely driven by survival rather than learning tricks.

Q: How long do mourning doves live? A: In the wild, mourning doves typically live for about 1.5 to 5 years, though some individuals may live longer. In captivity, with proper care, they could potentially live longer, but this is not common due to the challenges of keeping them as pets.

Q: Do mourning doves mate for life? A: Mourning doves are known for forming strong pair bonds, and they often mate for life. However, if one mate dies, the surviving dove will usually find a new partner.

Q: What should I do if I find an injured mourning dove? A: If you find an injured mourning dove, it’s best to contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They have the expertise and resources to care for the bird and, if possible, release it back into the wild.

Q: Are mourning doves good parents? A: Yes, mourning doves are attentive parents. Both the male and female take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. They are known for their gentle and caring nature when it comes to raising their young.