Native migratory birds are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Arizona ARS Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§13-2910 cruelty charges.
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale regulates construction noise primarily through general noise provisions and building code administration. Arizona HB 2371 (effective 2025) require...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale restricts overnight parking on certain city streets through posted signage. The city may restrict overnight parking in areas with safety or conges...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale supports EV infrastructure through its green building codes and zoning provisions. New commercial and multi-family developments may be required to...
Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona ARS 36-1637 requires an approved smoke detector in every new residential housing unit and in any sleeping area remodeled under permit. Scottsdale enf...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale regulates propane (LPG) storage under the adopted 2018 International Fire Code and NFPA 58; aggregate residential storage over 500 gallons water c...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale regulates outdoor burning under Revised Code Chapter 36 (Fire Code) and Maricopa County ADEQ air quality rules. Open burning of yard waste and deb...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how Scottsdale'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.