Travis County, TX Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Federal statute
- ESA and MBTA
- Nesting season
- March through August
- Local plan
- Balcones Canyonlands
- Permit issuer
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Summary
Travis County hosts protected species like the golden-cheeked warbler under the federal Endangered Species Act, plus migratory songbirds under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act enforced regardless of any county rule.
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.
Full Breakdown
The golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo nest in juniper-oak Hill Country habitat across western Travis County. Land clearing during nesting season, March through August, can trigger federal Endangered Species Act take violations even on private land. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues incidental-take permits, often coordinated through the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan administered by Travis County. The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects nests and eggs of nearly all native songbirds. Tree removal permits within BCCP units require habitat survey and mitigation contributions.
Violations & Fines
Federal MBTA fines up to 15000 dollars per violation, ESA criminal exposure up to 50000 dollars and one year, plus BCCP mitigation fees and project halts during nesting season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clear cedar in spring?
Do I need a permit for tree removal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Travis County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Travis County to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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