Auburn, WA Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- ACC 6.20.070
- Protected species
- 16 named songbirds, plus catch-all
- Also covers
- Nests, eggs and young
- Penalty class
- Misdemeanor (ACC 6.20.080)
- Max penalty
- 90 days jail, $1,000 fine
- State overlap
- RCW 77.16.120, Ch. 16.52 RCW
Summary
Auburn makes it a misdemeanor to shoot, trap, kill or otherwise molest robins, larks, sparrows, wrens and other songbirds or insectivorous birds within city limits, including their nests, eggs or young. The rule sits in the city's general animal-cruelty chapter alongside state nongame-bird protections.
It is unlawful to frighten, shoot at, wound, kill, take, capture, ensnare, net, trap or in any other manner molest or injure any robin, lark, whippoorwill, finch, sparrow, thrush, wren, martin, swallow, snowbird, bobolink, red-winged blackbird, raven, oriole, kingbird, mockingbird, song sparrow or other songbird or insectivorous bird; or in any manner molest or injure the nest eggs or young of any such bird; or have in possession the nest eggs, young or body of such bird.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 7023, passed July 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
" The ban covers frightening, shooting at, wounding, killing, taking, capturing, ensnaring, netting or trapping any listed bird, and extends the same protection to the bird's nest, eggs and young; simply possessing the nest, eggs, young or body of a protected bird is also unlawful. 060) and the chapter's penalty clause. 120, which protects nongame birds statewide. Because the local ordinance and the state statute overlap, an Auburn police officer or animal control officer can cite either, and a prosecutor has the option of charging under whichever carries the stronger fit for the facts.
The ordinance predates modern game-bird regulation and was written to protect insect-eating songbirds valued for pest control in gardens and orchards, which is why the species list skews toward common backyard birds rather than waterfowl or raptors covered separately under state and federal law.
Violations & Fines
A violation of Chapter 6.20, including ACC 6.20.070, is a misdemeanor under ACC 6.20.080, enforced per the citywide criminal penalty schedule in ACC 1.24.010: up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Each bird injured, killed or possessed can support a separate charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a bird's nest from my Auburn property?
Does Auburn's bird ordinance cover crows or pigeons?
Who enforces the songbird protection rule in Auburn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
Compare Auburn to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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Bird Protection in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle bird protection.