When it comes to birds, there are many species that are protected under various conservation laws and acts around the world. However, not all birds are protected to the same extent. There are some species that remain unprotected or have very limited legal protections.
Why are some birds not protected?
There are a few key reasons why certain bird species may not be protected:
- They are abundant and not threatened – Common bird species with large, stable populations are less likely to need legal protections. Conservation efforts tend to focus on species that are rare, declining, or at risk.
- They are non-native or introduced species – Protections often focus on native species. Introduced or invasive species that outcompete or harm native species may not be protected.
- They are game birds or agricultural pests – Species commonly hunted for food, sport, or killed because they damage crops may not be protected or have limited protections.
- Insufficient data or priority – There may be limited data on the status of some less studied species to warrant protections.
- Difficult to implement protections – For practical reasons, widespread and migratory species can be difficult to protect effectively.
Examples of unprotected bird species
Here are some examples of bird species that currently have limited or no legal protections:
Rock Pigeon
The common rock pigeon (Columba livia) is one of the most widespread and abundant bird species in the world. It is found in cities and countrysides worldwide. As they are so common and adapted to human environments, rock pigeons are not protected under conservation laws. They are sometimes considered a nuisance species.
European Starling
European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were introduced to North America and have spread across the continent, often competing with native bird species. As an abundant, non-native species, European starlings are unprotected in the US and Canada and measures are sometimes taken to control their populations.
House Sparrow
The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is another species introduced from Europe that has become common across North America. As an invasive species, house sparrows are not protected by conservation laws in the US or Canada.
Feral Pigeon
Feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) descend from domesticated rock pigeons that returned to the wild. They thrive in cities worldwide. As an abundant feral population, they have no legal protections.
European Starling
European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were introduced to North America and have spread across the continent, often competing with native bird species. As an abundant, non-native species, European starlings are unprotected in the US and Canada and measures are sometimes taken to control their populations.
Common Grackle
The common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is a very abundant blackbird species found throughout North America. They can damage some crops and are considered a nuisance by some. Common grackles are not protected species.
Red-winged Blackbird
Red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) are one of the most common bird species across North America. With large, stable populations, they are not in need of legal protections and are sometimes considered agricultural pests.
Brown-headed Cowbird
Brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) are brood parasites, laying eggs in other bird species’ nests. Their abundance and harmful effects on other songbird populations means they are not protected species.
Ring-billed Gull
Abundant across North America, the ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis) thrives around human habitats. With large populations not under threat, it is not protected and is sometimes considered a nuisance species.
Canada Goose
Canada geese (Branta canadensis) are ubiquitous waterbirds in North America known to abundantly populate parks and backyards. As they can damage property and agriculture, Canada geese are not protected from hunting or population control measures.
Monk Parakeet
Monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) are an introduced parrot species found across the US, often building large, messy nests on utility poles. As a successful invader, they are not protected and control measures are sometimes implemented.
Species | Population Trend | Native vs. Introduced | Level of Legal Protection |
---|---|---|---|
Rock Pigeon | Abundant and increasing | Native to Europe, now global | None |
European Starling | Abundant and stable | Introduced to North America | None |
House Sparrow | Abundant and stable | Introduced to North America | None |
Feral Pigeon | Abundant and stable | Domesticated origin | None |
Common Grackle | Abundant and increasing | Native | None |
Red-winged Blackbird | Abundant and stable | Native | None |
Brown-headed Cowbird | Abundant and increasing | Native | None |
Ring-billed Gull | Abundant and increasing | Native | None |
Canada Goose | Abundant and increasing | Native | Limited |
Monk Parakeet | Locally abundant | Introduced to North America | None |
Game birds with limited protections
There are some birds that are commonly hunted for food, sport, or pest control that have some protections, but can still be legally hunted in most jurisdictions during designated hunting seasons. Examples include:
- Pheasants
- Quail
- Ducks
- Geese
- Doves
- Grouse
Regulations limit the number of these birds that can be harvested by each hunter per season and restrict hunting methods. But they are still considered game species that are not endangered, so hunting is allowed.
How are protected birds different?
For birds that are endangered, threatened, or of special conservation concern, there are often strict legal protections prohibiting harming, harassing, or harvesting these species. Protected birds fall into categories like:
- Endangered species – at high risk of extinction
- Threatened species – at risk of becoming endangered
- Species of special concern – rare or declining populations
- Fully protected species – can’t be harmed or possessed
- Game birds outside hunting season
Examples of protected birds in the US include bald eagles, California condors, whooping cranes, sage grouse, and migratory songbirds like warblers and orioles.
International protections
There are also international agreements aimed at protecting migratory birds, endangered species, and important bird habitats:
- The Migratory Bird Treaty Act – Protects over 1,000 migratory bird species in the US and Canada.
- The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – Regulates cross-border trade of threatened/endangered species.
- Ramsar Convention – Protects wetland habitats vital for many waterbirds.
So while some common or non-native birds remain unprotected, many sensitive, threatened, and important species benefit from strict legal protections on local, national, and global levels.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a variety of reasons why some bird species, such as very abundant pests or non-native invaders, are not protected by conservation laws. But many other sensitive or valuable species are strongly protected by regulations that prohibit harming, harvesting, or harassing these birds. Careful management, responsible hunting practices, and enforcement of protections are all needed to maintain healthy and sustainable bird populations into the future.