Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and NC Wildlife Resources Commission rules protect most native birds in Raleigh from take, harassment, or nest disturbance. Building owners must coordinate with NCWRC before removing active nests during construction.
The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects nearly all native bird species in Raleigh, prohibiting the take, possession, or disturbance of birds, eggs, and active nests without a federal permit. NC Wildlife Resources Commission administers state-level protections under NCGS §113-291. Raleigh property owners undertaking construction, tree removal, or facade work during nesting season must verify no active nests are present or obtain federal authorization before proceeding. Common chimney swift and barn swallow roosts are routinely flagged. House sparrows, European starlings, and rock pigeons are unprotected invasive species and may be removed without a permit. Window-strike mitigation is encouraged for new commercial buildings.
Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act violations carry fines up to $15,000 per take; state nongame protections add additional civil penalties under NCGS Chapter 113.
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh discourages feeding of wildlife such as deer, raccoons, coyotes, and waterfowl, and prohibits feeding that creates a nuisance or public health hazard...
Raleigh, NC
Coyotes are present throughout Raleigh and protected as a nongame species under NC Wildlife Resources Commission rules. Residents may not relocate coyotes, b...
See how Raleigh's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
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