Subject: Re: Migratory Bird Act (fwd)
Date: Jul 25 14:58:54 1994
From: James Dean - MNHVZ065%SIVM.BITNET at ARIZVM1.ccit.arizona.edu

In reply to John Tebbutt's question on the migratory bird act, it does indeed
cover the majority of the species in North America. I believe there are
over 800 species listed on the Migratory Bird Act. To quote from some
FWS information I have: "Biologically any bird species which migrates
seasonally to and from breeding grounds and wintering grounds is migratory.
Legally speaking, it is any species of migratory bird which is protected
by the migratory Bird Treaty Act and listed in the Federal regulations"

The remaining non-migratory birds are covered under the Lacey Act which
predates the Migratory Bird treaty Act. The Lacey Act is the foundation
for most of the other protection acts.

Also, Bald and Golden Eagles have special protection under the Bald Eagle
Act of the 1940s (sorry I don't have the exact title of the act in front
of me).

And of course, some species of birds are protected under the Endangered
Species Act.

Thus the only birds in The United States that are not protected by any laws
are starlings, house sparrows and the Rock Dove.

James Dean
Division of Birds
National Museum of Natural History
nmhvz065 at sivm.si.edu