If you are thinking of getting a pet bird, you might wonder what kinds of birds are legal to own in your area. Different states and countries have different laws and regulations regarding the ownership of native and exotic birds.

We will give you some general information and examples of birds that you can legally keep as pets, but you should always check with your local authorities before buying or adopting any bird.

First of all, what is the difference between native and exotic birds? Native birds are those that naturally occur in your region, while exotic birds are those that have been introduced from other parts of the world. Some examples of native birds in the United States are cardinals, blue jays, robins, and hummingbirds. Some examples of exotic birds in the United States are budgies, cockatiels, cockatoos, and macaws.

Generally speaking, native birds are more protected by law than exotic birds, and you may need a special license or permit to keep them as pets. This is because native birds play an important role in the ecosystem and their populations may be threatened by habitat loss, disease, or predation.

Exotic birds, on the other hand, are usually bred in captivity and do not have a significant impact on the environment. However, some exotic birds may be endangered or threatened in their native habitats, and you may need to follow certain rules or regulations to ensure their welfare and conservation.

To give you some examples of birds that are legal to own as pets in different states, here are some lists based on online sources. However, these lists may not be complete or up-to-date, so you should always verify with your local authorities before getting any bird.

• In Minnesota, you may keep any of the following native birds as pets: starlings, English sparrows, cormorants, Eurasian collared doves, rock doves, chukars, and quails (except bobwhite and mute swans).
• In New South Wales, Australia, you may keep any of the following native birds without a license: Australian king parrots, budgerigars, cockatiels, crimson rosellas, eastern rosellas, galahs, lorikeets, lovebirds, princess parrots, red-rumped parrots, turquoisines, zebra finches.
• In California, you may not keep any native bird as a pet unless you have a special permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. However, you may keep any exotic bird that is not listed as endangered or threatened by the federal or state government.
• Violating state wildlife trade laws typically constitutes a misdemeanor with median fines of $1,000, though penalties vary by jurisdiction. In the UK, illegal possession of wild birds can result in unlimited fines if you cannot prove the bird was taken legally.
• If importing exotic birds from other countries, you must comply with the Wild Exotic Bird Conservation Act, which regulates importation of exotic birds from foreign sources. Knowing violations by importers carry penalties of up to $25,000 per violation and potential imprisonment for up to 2 years. Additionally, birds protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) require special permits or certificates for cross-border movement. Non-commercial movement of five or fewer pet birds requires customs inspection and appropriate documentation.

As you can see, there is a lot of variation in the laws and regulations regarding pet birds across different regions. Therefore, it is very important that you do your research and consult with your local authorities before getting any bird.

This way, you can ensure that you are complying with the law and that you are providing a safe and healthy environment for your feathered friend.

Obtaining legal permits for restricted bird species requires meeting strict criteria under Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, 21.27 Special Purpose Permits. Applicants must demonstrate legitimate purposes such as education, scientific research, or wildlife rehabilitation—not simply pet ownership. Permit applications require proof of adequate facilities, expertise in bird care, and compliance with all federal and state regulations. Private individuals rarely qualify for permits to keep native or endangered birds as pets. Processing times typically range from 60-90 days, and permits must be renewed periodically with documentation of ongoing compliance.