Have you ever spotted a gentle Mourning Dove perched quietly in your backyard and wondered if these peaceful birds can be kept as pets? You’re not alone.
Many people are curious about whether Mourning Doves are domesticated or if they belong only in the wild. Understanding this can help you decide if these birds could become a part of your life or if it’s best to appreciate them from a distance.
Short Answer: No, mourning doves are not domesticated. They are wild birds that can become accustomed to humans but remain independent and untamed.
Table of Contents
Mourning Doves In The Wild
Mourning doves live mostly in open and semi-open areas. They like fields, parks, farms, and suburbs. These birds build simple nests in trees or shrubs. Their soft cooing sound is easy to hear during the day. Mourning doves are fast flyers and can reach speeds up to 55 mph.
They eat mostly seeds from grasses, weeds, and grains. Their diet includes:
- Sunflower seeds
- Millet
- Cracked corn
- Small fruits
They feed on the ground, often in groups. Drinking water is important for them, especially in hot weather. These birds use their strong beaks to crack seeds easily.
Domestication Basics
Domestication means taming animals for human use. It involves breeding and caring for them. Animals become used to living with people. This process takes a long time. Domesticated animals are different from wild ones. They depend on humans for food and shelter. They also have a calm nature.
Many birds are kept as pets. Some common domesticated bird species include:
- Parrots – known for their bright colors.
- Canaries – famous for their singing.
- Budgerigars – small and playful birds.
- Chickens – farm birds for eggs and meat.
These birds live well with humans. They are friendly and easy to care for. People enjoy their company and find them fun.
Mourning Doves And Domestication
Mourning doves are wild birds and not truly domesticated. They can become tame with gentle care and patience. People sometimes keep them in aviaries or as pets, but they remain naturally cautious.
Wild mourning doves are quick to fly away when near humans. Captive doves get used to people and may even eat from your hand. Taming requires time and trust.
| Feature | Wild Mourning Doves | Captive Mourning Doves |
|---|---|---|
| Behavior | Shy and fast to fly | Calmer and more approachable |
| Habitat | Outdoors, forests, fields | Bird cages or aviaries |
| Interaction with humans | Minimal, avoid humans | Regular, sometimes friendly |
| Feeding | Wild seeds and grains | Provided by owners |
Caring For Mourning Doves
Mourning doves need a safe and quiet place to live. Their housing should protect them from bad weather and predators. A large cage or aviary with enough space to fly is best. Use perches inside for resting. Clean the housing regularly to keep it healthy and fresh.
They eat mostly seeds, especially millet and sunflower seeds. Fresh water must be available all the time. Some doves like small fruits and greens. Avoid giving them bread or junk food, as it can harm them.
Mourning doves live about 1 to 5 years in captivity. Keeping their home clean helps prevent illness. Watch for signs of sickness like fluffed feathers or not eating. Regular check-ups with a vet keep them healthy.
Legal And Ethical Considerations
Wildlife protection laws often make it illegal to keep mourning doves as pets. These laws help protect wild birds and their natural habitats. Keeping wild birds may require special permits or licenses.
Ethical concerns arise when wild birds are taken from nature. Mourning doves thrive better in the wild, where they find food and shelter. Captivity can cause stress and harm to these birds.
Many people believe wild birds belong outside, not in cages. Respecting their freedom supports healthy ecosystems. It is better to enjoy watching mourning doves in their natural homes.
Alternatives To Domestication
Creating a friendly space can invite mourning doves to visit your yard. Use bird feeders filled with millet or cracked corn. Keep feeders clean and full to attract these gentle birds. Planting native trees and shrubs offers shelter and nesting spots. These natural homes make doves feel safe and welcome.
Supporting local bird populations helps maintain healthy ecosystems. Avoid using pesticides or chemicals that harm birds and insects. Provide fresh water in shallow dishes for drinking and bathing. Leave some areas with natural ground cover for foraging. This simple care lets birds thrive near your home.
My Personal Experience
No, mourning doves are not domesticated. They’re wild birds that prefer open skies and natural freedom. While they can grow comfortable around people, they never lose their wild instincts.
From my own experience, I’ve had mourning doves visit my backyard for years. They often perch on my fence or softly coo near the bird feeder. Over time, they began to trust me enough to stay close when I refilled their food, yet they never let me get too near. Their gentle nature makes it easy to feel a bond, but they always remind me that they belong to the wild. Watching them take off in graceful flight is proof that mourning doves are meant to stay free, not domesticated.
Are Mourning Doves Domesticated to Humans?
Short Answer: No, mourning doves are not domesticated to humans — they remain wild birds, even if they get used to people.
Mourning doves may seem gentle and familiar, but they’re still wild at heart. I’ve had a few visit my porch daily, cooing softly as I sip my morning tea. They never let me come too close, but I can tell they recognize me. It’s a quiet trust — not ownership. They’ll take food from a safe distance and flutter away the moment I move too fast. That’s what makes them so special — they choose to visit, not because they’re tamed, but because they feel safe.
Key takeaway: Mourning doves can adapt to human presence, but they’re not truly domesticated.
My Observation:
- They grow comfortable when you feed them regularly.
- They remember your voice or routine.
- Yet, they always keep a little distance — freedom matters to them.
Are Mourning Doves Domesticated in California?
Short Answer: No, mourning doves in California are wild, not domesticated.
In California, I noticed mourning doves blend beautifully with suburban life — perching on fences, resting near driveways, even nesting in hanging baskets. They’ve learned to live close to humans but still act like wild birds. When I visited a friend’s home near San Diego, we watched a pair nesting under her patio roof. They seemed calm around people, but the moment anyone got too close, they flew off.
It’s a delicate balance — trust without captivity. That’s how mourning doves thrive in human spaces while keeping their wild spirit intact.
Are Mourning Doves Domesticated in Texas?
Short Answer: Mourning doves in Texas are not domesticated, though they’re very familiar with people.
In Texas, they’re almost everywhere — in fields, near barns, and even in busy backyards. When I stayed on a ranch outside Austin, I saw them walking near the horse troughs every morning. They weren’t afraid but stayed just far enough to feel safe. Texans often admire their soft cooing at dusk; it’s like nature’s lullaby.
Even though they live close to humans, they’re not tamed. They still migrate, choose wild foods, and keep their independence — proof that some bonds don’t need cages.
Are Mourning Doves Friendly?
Short Answer: Yes, mourning doves are gentle and calm, but not exactly “friendly” like pets.
I’ve always found mourning doves to have the sweetest personalities. They never act aggressive, even toward smaller birds. When they see me refilling the feeder, they often sit on a nearby branch, waiting patiently. Their soft coos feel like a quiet thank-you. Still, they prefer space. They won’t perch on your hand or shoulder like a parrot would — and that’s okay.
In my experience:
- Mourning doves are peaceful and easy to be around.
- They symbolize calmness and trust.
- They’re friendly in spirit, not in touch.
Are Mourning Doves Protected?
Short Answer: Yes, mourning doves are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the U.S.
That means you can’t harm, capture, or keep them without a special permit. Even their nests and eggs are legally protected. I once found a dove nesting on my balcony light — I was tempted to move the nest to clean the area, but after learning about the law, I let her stay. Watching her raise her chicks safely felt rewarding.
It’s heartwarming to know laws exist to protect such peaceful creatures. Their soft songs are part of our mornings — and they deserve to stay that way.
Pet Dove
Short Answer: Mourning doves aren’t ideal pets — but some domesticated dove species, like ring-necked or diamond doves, are.
I once cared for an injured mourning dove for a few weeks. She was calm and trusting, especially when I fed her soft seeds by hand. But when she recovered, she kept fluttering toward the window — her heart belonged outdoors. That’s when I realized: mourning doves aren’t meant for cages.
If you want a pet dove, go for species bred in captivity. They adapt better to humans and enjoy companionship without stress. Mourning doves, however, are happiest in the open sky — free, gentle, and wild.
Helpful Tip:
- Best pet doves: Ring-necked Dove, Diamond Dove
- Not suitable as pets: Mourning Dove (wild species)
- Always check: Local wildlife regulations before keeping any dove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mourning Doves Pets Or Wild Birds?
Mourning doves are wild birds, not typically kept as pets or domesticated animals.
Can Mourning Doves Live Indoors?
Mourning doves do not adapt well to indoor living and need open outdoor spaces.
How Do Mourning Doves Behave Around Humans?
They are usually shy but may become comfortable near people in quiet areas.
Is It Legal To Keep Mourning Doves As Pets?
In many places, it is illegal to keep mourning doves without permits.
What Do Mourning Doves Eat In The Wild?
Their diet mainly includes seeds, grains, and small insects found outdoors.
Conclusion
Mourning doves are wild birds, not true pets. They can get used to people but stay independent. Keeping them needs special care and space. They do best living freely in nature. Respect their natural habits to enjoy watching them. Learning about their needs helps protect these gentle birds.
Watching doves can bring calm and peace. Remember, they belong to the wild, not a cage. Treat them kindly and let them fly free.
I still remember the day that sparked my love for birds. I was just a kid, sitting in my backyard, when a tiny bird landed near me. It moved so fast, its feathers flashing in the sunlight, and then it sang—soft, clear, and almost magical. In that moment, birds became more than just creatures in the sky. They became a mystery I wanted to solve.
That curiosity never faded. It led me to study Biology at the University of Scranton, where I dove deep into the science of birds—their behavior, their calls, and the incredible ways they survive. Today, that same passion drives me, and through Earth of Birds, I get to share it with you.