Expert: Roger Lederer - 9/19/2006

Question
Roger,
That is strangs because on several web sites about doves and pigeons it gives all sorts of information about care for mourning doves and says they make good avairy pets. It does state they are considered game birds in some states and song birds in others, I guess that is why I was confused. So I guess you can shoot them, but not keep them as a pet, makes a lot of sence. Thank you for your answer, you did not make the law, but it does seam rather silly. C.B.
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Followup To

Question -
Do you know what states allow Mourning doves as pets.  I know in La. you can shoot them, but not own them, what about Arizona?
Thanks, C.B.

Answer -
No wild birds of any kind are legally allowed as pets in any state. They are all protected by Federal Law. Roger Lederer at Ornithology.com

Answer
You are correct that several web sites refer to keeping Mourning Doves as pets. But they don't say how they are obtained and they often mix up both scientific and common names. And to say they are songbirds in one state and game birds in another is confusing apples and oranges. ALL birds are protected by federal law and no state law can supersede that. I promise you it is illegal to keep Mourning Doves in captivity without special federal permits. (May be it is silly, but you are right, I didn't make these rules.)