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. Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix City Code section 23-12 broadly prohibits creating any unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise within the city, and section 23-13 prohibi...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix's Resident Permit Parking Program, established in 1987, lets the City Council designate 'resident only' permit areas under City Code Sec. 36-157 wher...
Phoenix, AZ
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Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix City Code Section 31-13 bars any fence, wall, hedge or landscaping over 3 feet within the visibility (sight) triangle at residential street intersect...
Phoenix, AZ
From May 1 through September 30 each year the City of Phoenix imposes an annual fire ban across its desert and mountain parks and preserves, prohibiting open...
Phoenix, AZ
Unlike a small recreational fire, a bonfire in Phoenix requires an operational permit from the Phoenix Fire Department under Fire Code section 105.5.36 and m...
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