SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bird-mbta-no-taking

Can you catch a protected native songbird to keep as a pet?

No, not without federal authorization.

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  1. No, not without federal authorization ✔
  2. Yes, if the bird is common locally
  3. Yes, if it is kept for under a year

Why: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits killing, capturing, selling, trading or transporting protected migratory birds without US Fish and Wildlife Service permission.

Huh, didn't know that: The Act dates from 1918 and covers a long official list of species.

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Why don't birds use social media? They already tweet.
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References

Answer: No, not without federal authorization. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits killing, capturing, selling, trading or transporting protected migratory birds without US Fish and Wildlife Service permission.

  1. US Fish and Wildlife Service: Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 www.fws.gov/law/migratory-bird-treaty-act-1918
    prohibits the take (including killing, capturing, selling, trading, and transport) of protected migratory bird species
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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