Migratory birds ø including songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, gamebirds, and raptors ø are protected by federal law, and possession of these birds or their feathers, nests, or eggs is forbidden except while engaged in lawful hunting. However, increased numbers and large non-migratory populations of some species of migratory birds ø Canada geese, double-crested cormorants, and snow geese, for example ø may necessitate management plans that allow culling of populations. The NAIA Trust supports well-devised and implemented plans to reduce the numbers of birds when property damage and habitat destruction results from overpopulation. These plans may range from the use of herding dogs to drive birds from airport runways, golf courses, parks, and other areas to limited hunts or other methods to kill the birds. The NAIA Trust believes that each community should devise its own solution based on local considerations, not on emotion or politics.
Tropical birds are popular pets. The NAIA Trust backs the responsible owning, breeding, and raising of tropical birds as pets, encourages organizations that work to raise the level of care, handling, training of these birds, and supports the responsible ownership of birds under well crafted regulatory mechanisms based on need. The NAIA Trust opposes wild capture of tropical birds in violation of the Lacey Act and other applicable laws and regulations.
As with all other circumstances in which man and animals interact, the NAIA Trust encourages adoption of reasonable laws and rules to protect animals and disagrees with those that arbitrarily criminalize human behavior. These ordinances and regulations include the accidental “taking” of bird feathers, nests, or eggs.
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