Can you possess songbird feathers?

According to the Migratory Birds Treaty Act, it is illegal to own native bird feathers or bits of egg shells, even if you found them in your yard. Technically, a child with a collection of colorful cardinal and blue jay feathers would indeed be considered a lawbreaker.

Is it OK to collect bird feathers?

Wrong. While the details of the urban legend may be exaggerated, it is in fact illegal to collect certain bird feathers thanks to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. The treaty makes it unlawful to hunt, take, capture, kill, or sell migratory birds.

Is it illegal to have a hummingbird feather?

Important Hummingbird Facts to Know: It is illegal to possess a hummingbird, feather, nest or any part of it without a permit. Do not care for an injured or baby hummingbird without the assistance of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Is it illegal to own a songbird?

Buntings and other migratory songbirds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a century-old United States law that makes it illegal to capture, kill, or possess any of these birds.

How do you safely collect feathers?

Whether you’re a collector or using them in crafts, it’s important to wash any feathers that you pick up outdoors. Mothballs will kill possible parasites. Sanitize feathers with an alcohol and hydrogen peroxide solution. To remove dirt and grit from the feathers, swish them gently through a mild soap solution.

Can I keep an eagle feather I found?

If you find eagle feathers out in nature, enjoy, appreciate, study, and photograph them, them but leave them where you found it. It is illegal to keep eagle feathers or parts without a permit.

Can you keep feathers you find?

The possession of feathers and other parts of native North American birds without a permit is prohibited by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Exceptions do exist for the feathers of legally-hunted waterfowl or other migratory gamebirds, and for the use of feathers by Native Americans.

Is shooting Blue Jays illegal?

It is illegal to transport, trap or kill native non-game adult birds like Blue Jays or Mockingbirds without a permit, even if they are harassing birds at nestboxes or feeders. Besides, these birds need homes too, and diversity is valuable.

Why are bald eagle feathers illegal?

Because of the religious and cultural significance of eagle feathers, the law makes an exception that allows members of federally recognized tribes to own eagle feathers. Eligible Native Americans must first get a permit to own and receive eagle feathers. However, they cannot give the feathers to non-Native Americans.

Why is it illegal to own bird feathers in the US?

Here’s a new one to me — I just learned it’s illegal to possess or sell most bird feathers in the US because most native birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This means the birds are protected, of course, but it also means you can’t even pick up and keep their feathers, nests, or eggs from your back yard or local park.

Are there any birds that are banned in the US?

More than 800 species are currently on the list, including the Bald Eagle, Black-capped Chickadee, Northern Cardinal, American Crow, Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Barn Swallow, Cedar Waxwing, Barn Owl, and more. That means the feathers of all of these birds are forbidden.

How do I get permission to use bird feathers for research?

Individuals or institutions wishing to use bird feathers, bones, or whole specimens for educational or research purposes must apply for permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and their state wildlife or natural resource agency. See here.

Are molted feathers protected by the migratory bird treaty act?

There is no exemption for molted feathers or those taken from road- or window-killed birds. More information on the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the list of MBTA-protected species can be found here. Exceptions do exist for the feathers of legally-hunted waterfowl or other migratory gamebirds, and for the use of feathers by Native Americans.