Cardinals are beautiful, red songbirds that are a joy to watch in the wild. Their bright coloring and lovely songs attract many bird lovers who wish they could keep a cardinal as a pet. However, while cardinals may seem like they would make great pets, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
Is it legal to own a cardinal?
In the United States, it is generally illegal to keep native songbirds like cardinals as pets. Cardinals are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it unlawful to harm, capture, possess, or transport native birds without a permit. Permits are only granted for specific purposes like scientific research or rehabilitation. So for the average person, it is not legal to capture a cardinal from the wild or keep one as a pet.
Why can’t cardinals be pets?
There are a few key reasons why cardinals don’t make good pets:
- Cardinals are wild animals that thrive in their natural habitats. Keeping one in captivity could be stressful and cruel.
- Cardinals have specialized diets consisting of seeds, fruits, and insects. It is challenging to properly replicate this diet in captivity.
- Cardinals need plenty of space to fly around and socialize with other cardinals. They cannot get their required exercise in a cage.
- In captivity, cardinals are prone to diseases and often don’t survive very long.
For these reasons, wildlife experts strongly advise against trying to tame cardinals or keep them as pets. It is best to enjoy cardinals by observing them in their natural environment.
Can you obtain a permit to keep a cardinal?
It is possible to obtain permits that allow you to legally keep native birds like cardinals in captivity. However, these permits are typically only granted for specific purposes such as:
- Wildlife rehabilitation – Temporarily housing an injured cardinal until it can be released back to the wild.
- Educational programs – Keeping cardinals at zoos, nature centers, or schools for educational displays and presentations.
- Scientific research – Banding cardinals or taking blood samples for research studies.
The application process for these permits is rigorous. You generally need professional experience handling wild birds. Permits also require routine inspections of housing facilities. So it is quite difficult for the average person to legally obtain a cardinal as a pet.
Alternatives to keeping a cardinal as a pet
While you cannot legally own a cardinal, there are some suitable alternatives if you’d like to have a similar bird as a pet:
- Parrotlets – These small parrots have vivid green and blue coloration. The Pacific Parrotlet is known for its orange markings similar to a cardinal.
- Finches – Many finch species have red plumage and can be tamed if hand-raised. Good options include the Red Siskin or Scarlet Finch.
- Canaries – Color-bred canaries come in a “red factor” variety that resembles the cardinal’s bright hue.
These pet bird species are smaller than cardinals and have adapted well to life in captivity when properly cared for. Be sure to thoroughly research their needs before bringing one home.
Enjoying cardinals from a distance
Instead of trying to tame cardinals, the best way to enjoy their company is by attracting wild ones to your yard. You can easily lure striking cardinals close to home with these simple tips:
- Offer bird feeders with preferred seeds like sunflower, safflower, and millet.
- Provide a fresh water source such as a birdbath, fountain, or ground tray.
- Plant native trees and shrubs that produce berries and seeds.
- Avoid pesticides that could be harmful if cardinals eat chemically treated insects.
- Set up nest boxes suited for cardinals to raise their young.
With the proper habitat and a little patience, you’ll soon have brilliant cardinals gracing your yard on a regular basis. Observe them from an appropriate distance and respect their wild nature.
Conclusion
Cardinals are stunning songbirds that attract interest as pets. However, it is generally illegal and inhumane to keep native wild birds like cardinals in captivity. You need specialized permits that are hard to obtain. Instead of taking a cardinal from its natural environment, enjoy observing these red birds as they freely visit your backyard. With caution and care, you can have memorable experiences with cardinals without capturing them as pets.