Nearly every wild bird in Philadelphia is protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code. Killing, trapping, or possessing protected birds, nests, or eggs requires a federal and state permit. Building owners face Lights Out Philly migration guidance.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. §§703-712) makes it unlawful to take, possess, transport, or sell most native bird species, their parts, nests, or eggs without a US Fish and Wildlife Service permit. Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code (34 Pa.C.S. §2161) layers state protection on non-game and game birds, with PA Game Commission enforcement. Common Philadelphia exceptions are pigeons, European starlings, and house sparrows, which are non-native and unprotected. Philadelphia hosts the voluntary Lights Out Philly program asking owners of large buildings to dim non-essential lighting during spring and fall migration to reduce bird-window collisions. Removing nests during active use, including chimney swifts, is illegal without a depredation permit.
MBTA violations are misdemeanors with fines up to $15,000 and six months jail per bird. PA Game Code violations carry summary fines from $200 to $1,500 per protected bird, plus replacement costs and possible loss of hunting privileges.
Philadelphia, PA
Coyotes are classified as furbearers under the Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code. The PA Game Commission, not Philadelphia, regulates take. City rules ban ...
Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania state law (58 Pa. Code §137.33) prohibits intentionally feeding bear or elk. Philadelphia's parks regulations restrict feeding wildlife in city ...
See how Philadelphia's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
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