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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bird-mbta-native-only

Since a 2004 change, which birds may the Migratory Bird Treaty Act protect?

Listed native migratory species, not human-introduced ones.

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  1. All native and introduced birds
  2. Listed native migratory species ✔
  3. Only federally endangered birds

Why: The 2004 Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act says the law applies only to bird species native to the US and its territories. Introduced species are listed as not protected by it.

Huh, didn't know that: FWS published an updated list of non-native, human-introduced species in 2020.

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What bird is with you at every meal? A swallow.
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References

Answer: Listed native migratory species. The 2004 Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act says the law applies only to bird species native to the US and its territories. Introduced species are listed as not protected by it.

  1. US Fish and Wildlife Service: Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 www.fws.gov/law/migratory-bird-treaty-act-1918
    the MBTA applies only to migratory bird species that are native to the United States or U.S. territories
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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