Oklahoma City residents must comply with the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Oklahoma wildlife rules when dealing with nesting birds, including swallows, herons, and most native songbirds.
Native migratory birds, their nests, eggs, and feathers are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Oklahoma Statutes Title 29. In Oklahoma City this means homeowners cannot remove active nests of barn swallows, cliff swallows, robins, or similar species without a federal depredation permit, even if the nests are on porches, gutters, or commercial buildings. Pre-construction surveys and exclusion before nesting starts are the primary legal options. Non-native species such as European starlings, house sparrows, and feral pigeons are not federally protected, but humane removal is still required under Chapter 8 cruelty rules.
Destroying active nests of protected birds, taking eggs or feathers without permit, or shooting protected species can trigger federal misdemeanor charges and substantial fines per bird.
Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City prohibits intentional feeding of deer, coyotes, raccoons, and other wildlife that can become a nuisance or public-safety hazard. Feeding songbi...
Oklahoma City, OK
Wildlife rehabilitation in Oklahoma City requires state permits issued by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The city itself does not license ...
See how Oklahoma City's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
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