Can I Remove a Mourning Dove Nest? Understanding the Legal and Ethical Considerations
No, generally, you cannot legally remove an active mourning dove nest with eggs or young. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects mourning doves, making it illegal to harm or destroy nests containing eggs or chicks.
Introduction: The Mourning Dove and its Nests
The mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) is one of the most abundant birds in North America. Their gentle cooing and adaptability to urban and suburban environments make them frequent visitors to our backyards. Understanding the legal and ethical aspects surrounding their nesting behavior is crucial for responsible coexistence. Mourning doves are prolific breeders, often having multiple broods in a single season, which increases the likelihood of encountering their nests on your property. Knowing can I remove a mourning dove nest? and what the best course of action to take is important.
Legal Protections for Mourning Doves
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) is a federal law that protects migratory birds, their nests, and their eggs. This Act makes it illegal to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, or sell migratory birds – or their parts, nests, or eggs – without a permit. As mourning doves are classified as migratory birds, they fall under the protection of the MBTA. The MBTA generally means that if a mourning dove nest contains eggs or chicks, disturbing or removing it would be a violation of federal law.
Ethical Considerations for Nest Removal
Beyond the legal aspects, there are ethical considerations. Removing an active nest disrupts the natural life cycle of the birds and significantly reduces the chances of survival for the eggs or young. Even if you could legally remove a mourning dove nest, it is generally considered unethical to do so unless there are compelling reasons, such as a serious safety hazard.
When is Removal Potentially Permissible?
While removing an active nest is generally prohibited, there are some exceptions:
- Abandoned Nests: If a nest is demonstrably abandoned (e.g., no adult birds present for an extended period, eggs are cold and obviously not being incubated, young birds have fledged), you may be able to remove it. However, it’s best to observe the nest for several days to ensure abandonment before taking any action.
- Prevention (Before Nesting): The best approach is preventative. If you consistently have issues with mourning doves nesting in undesirable locations, taking steps to deter them before they start building a nest is permissible and the most humane option.
Deterrents for Unwanted Nesting Sites
Preventing mourning doves from nesting in unwanted locations is preferable to dealing with an active nest. Consider these deterrents:
- Physical Barriers: Netting, bird spikes, or other physical barriers can prevent birds from accessing nesting sites.
- Habitat Modification: Prune trees and shrubs regularly to make them less attractive for nesting.
- Visual Deterrents: Shiny objects, like streamers or pinwheels, can deter birds.
- Noise Deterrents: Although less effective in the long term, ultrasonic bird repellents can provide temporary relief.
Relocating a Mourning Dove Nest: Is It Possible?
Relocating an active mourning dove nest is rarely successful and is generally not recommended. Mourning doves are easily disturbed, and moving the nest can cause the parents to abandon it. Even if the parents don’t abandon immediately, the stress of the move can negatively impact the development of the eggs or chicks. Additionally, relocating a nest would still be considered disturbing it, and therefore is likely still in violation of the MBTA.
Handling an Inevitable Nest Encounter
Despite your best efforts, mourning doves may still build a nest in an inconvenient location. In such cases:
- Observe and Document: Monitor the nest to determine if it’s active (eggs or chicks present). Take photos to document its condition.
- Consider Alternatives: Can you tolerate the nest for the short period it will be active (typically a few weeks)?
- Contact Authorities: If the nest poses a significant safety hazard, contact your local wildlife authorities or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for advice. They can assess the situation and provide guidance.
What to Do After Nesting Season
Once the young have fledged and the nest is abandoned, you are free to remove it.
- Clean Up: Remove the nest material and dispose of it properly.
- Sanitize: Clean the area where the nest was located to remove any droppings or debris.
- Implement Deterrents: Take steps to prevent mourning doves from nesting in the same location in the future.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| ————– | ————————————————————————————— |
| Observation | Monitor the nest to confirm abandonment (no adult doves, cold eggs, fledged young). |
| Removal | Carefully remove the nest material. |
| Sanitation | Clean the area to remove droppings and debris. |
| Deterrence | Implement preventative measures to discourage future nesting in the same spot. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I remove a mourning dove nest if it’s on my porch and causing a mess?
While the mess created by a mourning dove nest can be frustrating, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects active nests. You’ll need to wait until the nest is abandoned before you can remove it. However, you can take steps to prevent nesting in the future.
What happens if I accidentally destroy a mourning dove nest?
Accidentally destroying a mourning dove nest is unlikely to result in prosecution, but it’s crucial to avoid intentionally harming nests. If it happens, contact your local wildlife authority to report the incident and seek guidance.
How long does it take for mourning dove eggs to hatch?
Mourning dove eggs typically hatch in about 14 days. The young fledge (leave the nest) approximately 12-15 days after hatching. This means the nest will be active for roughly a month.
Is it legal to trap and relocate mourning doves?
No, trapping and relocating mourning doves is generally illegal without a permit. Mourning doves are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and trapping and relocating them would be considered a “take” under the Act.
Can I use bird netting to prevent nesting?
Yes, bird netting is an effective deterrent. Install it before nesting season begins to prevent mourning doves from establishing a nest in unwanted locations. Ensure the netting is properly installed to avoid entangling birds.
Are there any natural predators of mourning doves that might help deter them?
While attracting predators is generally not advisable, the presence of natural predators like hawks or owls may discourage mourning doves from nesting in your yard. However, this is not a reliable or controllable method.
What do mourning doves eat?
Mourning doves primarily eat seeds. Removing bird feeders or other sources of seeds may make your yard less attractive to them.
Is it possible to get a permit to remove a mourning dove nest?
Permits to remove mourning dove nests are rare and typically only granted in cases where the nest poses a significant threat to human health or safety. Contact your local wildlife authority to inquire about the possibility of obtaining a permit.
What should I do if I find a baby mourning dove that has fallen out of the nest?
If the baby bird is injured, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. If it appears healthy, try to return it to the nest. If the nest is unreachable, create a makeshift nest nearby and monitor the chick to see if the parents return.
Will mourning doves reuse the same nest?
Mourning doves sometimes reuse nests, but they are more likely to build a new nest for each brood. Removing the nest after it’s been abandoned can help prevent them from nesting in the same spot again.
What is the best way to deter mourning doves from nesting under my eaves?
Physical barriers are the most effective deterrent for eaves. Install netting or bird spikes to prevent mourning doves from accessing the area.
If I do remove a nest after it’s abandoned, what should I do with the nest material?
Dispose of the nest material in a sealed bag to prevent the spread of potential diseases or parasites.