Mesa vs Phoenix
How do bird protection rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Phoenix, AZ?
Mesa and Phoenix have similar restriction levels.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
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. Maricopa County supports compliance through MCACC and AZGFD wildlife reporting.
View full Mesa rules →Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
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.
View full Phoenix rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Federal law | Migratory Bird Treaty Act | Migratory Bird Treaty Act |
| State statute | Arizona ARS §17-235 | Arizona ARS §17-235 |
| Enforcement | USFWS and AZGFD | USFWS and AZGFD |
| Active nests | Permit required to remove | Permit required to remove |
| Unprotected species | Sparrows, starlings, pigeons | Sparrows, starlings, pigeons |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
Can I remove a bird nest from my property?
Only if it is empty and the species is not protected. Active nests of native species, including doves and hummingbirds, are federally protected — you must wait until chicks fledge or get a USFWS depredation permit through AZGFD.
What should I do with an injured wild bird?
Do not try to keep or treat it yourself; possessing native birds without a permit is illegal. Contact Arizona Game and Fish or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator such as Liberty Wildlife or Wild at Heart Raptors.
Phoenix FAQ
Can I remove a bird nest from my property?
Only if it is empty and the species is not protected. Active nests of native species, including doves and hummingbirds, are federally protected — you must wait until chicks fledge or get a USFWS depredation permit through AZGFD.
What should I do with an injured wild bird?
Do not try to keep or treat it yourself; possessing native birds without a permit is illegal. Contact Arizona Game and Fish or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator such as Liberty Wildlife or Wild at Heart Raptors.
Compare other topics
See how Mesa and Phoenix compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool