Bird Protection: Los Angeles vs New York
How do bird protection rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and New York, NY?
Los Angeles and New York have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles protects wild birds under LAMC §53.55 and emerging bird-safe building design guidance, layered atop California Fish and Game Code §3500-3516 and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Native species, raptors, and active nests cannot be harmed or removed.
View full Los Angeles rules →New York, NY
New York County
Native birds in New York City are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and New York Environmental Conservation Law §11-0535. NYC Local Law 15 of 2020 added bird-safe glass requirements to the city Building Code. Killing or disturbing protected birds or active nests is illegal.
View full New York rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | New York |
|---|---|---|
| City code | LAMC §53.55 | - |
| State law | Fish and Game Code §3503-3516 | ECL §11-0535 |
| Federal law | Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 USC §703) | Migratory Bird Treaty Act |
| Nest removal | CDFW depredation permit required | - |
| MBTA penalty | Up to $15,000 per bird | - |
| Bird-safe glass | - | NYC Local Law 15 (2020) |
| Building Code | - | §1403 lower-story glazing |
| Volunteer rescue | - | Wild Bird Fund |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I remove a nest from my eaves?
Not while it is active with eggs or chicks. Wait until it is empty and confirmed abandoned, or apply for a CDFW depredation permit. Most native songbirds are federally protected under the MBTA.
Are pigeons protected?
Rock pigeons, European starlings, and house sparrows are non-native and not protected by the MBTA. They can be controlled, but humane methods and LA Animal Services guidance still apply citywide.
New York FAQ
Can I remove a bird nest from my building?
Not if it is an active nest of any MBTA-protected species, which covers nearly every native songbird. Wait until the nest is empty and inactive, or apply for a federal depredation permit through the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Does Local Law 15 apply to existing buildings?
It applies to new construction and major envelope renovations, requiring bird-friendly glass on the first seventy-five feet of facade and adjacent to green roofs. Existing buildings are encouraged but not required to retrofit.
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