Native migratory birds are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Arizona ARS §17-235. Killing, trapping, or possessing protected birds, eggs, or feathers without a permit is illegal. Maricopa County supports compliance through MCACC and AZGFD wildlife reporting.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 protects nearly every native bird species, plus their nests, eggs, and feathers. Arizona layers on ARS §17-235 and AZGFD rules requiring a license or permit to take, possess, or transport wildlife, including non-game birds. Common Maricopa County species like mourning doves, hummingbirds, hawks, owls, and Gambel's quail are covered. Removing an active nest with eggs or chicks generally requires a federal depredation permit; even nuisance pigeons need humane handling. House sparrows, European starlings, and rock pigeons are non-native and not MBTA-protected, but cannot be killed inhumanely under ARS §13-2910. AZGFD enforces state rules; injured wildlife should go to a licensed rehabilitator.
MBTA violations are federal misdemeanors with fines up to fifteen thousand dollars and six months in jail; commercial violations escalate to felonies. ARS Title 17 violations bring state fines, license suspension, and jail. Inhumane killing triggers ARS §13-2910 cruelty charges.
Maricopa County, AZ
Maricopa County Department of Transportation establishes loading zones along unincorporated county roads using ARS section 28-873 authority. Yellow-curb comm...
Maricopa County, AZ
Arizona Revised Statutes section 28-873 lets Maricopa County paint curbs to mark parking restrictions but does not lock in color meanings. The county Departm...
Maricopa County, AZ
Unincorporated Maricopa County applies Arizona Revised Statutes Section 36-1637, which requires an approved smoke detector in each new residential housing un...
Maricopa County, AZ
Unincorporated Maricopa County allows two tiers of home-based business under the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance: low-intensity 'residential home occupation...
Maricopa County, AZ
Unincorporated Maricopa County imposes no cap on the number of nights a short-term or vacation rental may operate. Arizona Revised Statutes Section 11-269.17...
Maricopa County, AZ
Federal HUD and EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rules govern lead-hazard work in pre-1978 rentals. Arizona ARS 33-1338 requires written disclosure ...
See how Maricopa County's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.