Frisco, TX Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Federal law
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act
- State authority
- Texas Parks and Wildlife
- Nest removal
- Only when inactive
- Unprotected species
- Pigeons, starlings, sparrows
Summary
Frisco residents must follow the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Texas Parks and Wildlife rules when handling native birds, eggs, or nests. The city itself has no separate bird ordinance, so most enforcement comes from federal and state wildlife agencies.
Sec. 64.002. PROTECTION OF NONGAME BIRDS. (a) Except as provided by this code, no person may:(1) catch, kill, injure, pursue, or possess, dead or alive, or purchase, sell, expose for sale, transport, ship, or receive or deliver for transportation, a bird that is not a game bird;(2) possess any part of the plumage, skin, or body of a bird that is not a game bird; or(3) disturb or destroy the eggs, nest, or young of a bird that is not a game bird.(b) European starlings, English sparrows, and feral rock doves (Columba livia) may be killed at any time in any manner and their nests or eggs may be destroyed, and such conduct does not constitute an offense under Chapter 42, Penal Code.(c) A permit is not required to control yellow-headed, red-winged, rusty, or Brewer's blackbirds or a...
Full Breakdown
Most native birds in Frisco, including songbirds, herons, and birds of prey, are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Texas Parks and Wildlife Code. Disturbing active nests, possessing eggs, or relocating chicks without permits is illegal. Frisco does not have its own bird-specific code section, so violations are referred to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife. Building owners removing barn-swallow or chimney-swift nests must wait until after the breeding season, since active nests cannot be touched. Non-native species such as European starlings and pigeons receive less protection.
Violations & Fines
Disturbing active migratory bird nests can trigger federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act fines, state Parks and Wildlife citations, and stop-work orders if the nest is on a permitted construction site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I knock down a swallow nest on my Frisco house?
What about pigeons or sparrows?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Frisco
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Frisco to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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