Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 USC 703) plus Michigan's Wildlife Conservation Order protect most native birds. Disturbing nests or possessing feathers without permits violates federal and state law.
Wayne County hosts Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and Lake Erie Metropark, critical migratory flyways for raptors and waterfowl. Federal law prohibits taking, possessing, transporting, or selling protected birds, their nests, eggs, or feathers without USFWS permits. Michigan adds state protections via MCL 324.40109. Common backyard species (robins, cardinals, blue jays) cannot be relocated, harmed, or kept without authorization. Tree removal during nesting season (April through August) may violate the act if active nests are destroyed. Property developers near DTW and Detroit River must comply with USFWS consultation. Non-native species (starlings, house sparrows, pigeons) are unprotected.
Federal MBTA violations are misdemeanors with $15,000 fines and six months jail per bird. Michigan state violations add MCL 324.40118 penalties of 90 days jail and $1,000 fines.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Dearborn, MI
Aircraft noise in Dearborn is regulated by the FAA, not the city. DTW flight paths and Ford test aircraft may create preempted noise that residents can repor...
Dearborn, MI
Dearborn prohibits dogs from barking, howling, or making noise that disturbs neighbors for extended periods, with animal control enforcement and fines for re...
Dearborn, MI
Dearborn allows on-street parking in most residential areas but prohibits parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of a crosswalk, and in posted no-...
Dearborn, MI
Dearborn follows Michigan's common-law partition-fence principles. Good side faces out, shared fences require mutual agreement, and disputes can go to distri...
Dearborn, MI
Dearborn follows Michigan PA 256 of 2011 as amended by PA 65 of 2018 allowing consumer fireworks only on 12 designated holidays, with local restrictions limi...
Dearborn, MI
Dearborn has no state-designated wildland fire hazard zones because it is a fully developed urban community in Wayne County with minimal natural fuels or wil...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wayne County.
See how Dearborn's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
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