Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which birds are not protected?

Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which birds are not protected?

• A. Pigeons, house sparrows, and starlings
• B. Robins and thrushes
• C. Hawks and owls
• D. Parrots and parakeets

Answer: (A)

The main idea behind this question is that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects most native, migratory birds, but not all birds. Among common birds, three non-native species are not protected: rock pigeons, European starlings, and house sparrows. Because these species were introduced to North America and are not considered migratory in the regulatory sense under the MBTA, they can be managed without MBTA permit requirements. The other birds listed—robins and thrushes, hawks and owls, parrots and parakeets—are typically protected by the MBTA or are subject to other wildlife regulations, so they don’t fit the “not protected” category.

The main idea behind this question is that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects most native, migratory birds, but not all birds. Among common birds, three non-native species are not protected: rock pigeons, European starlings, and house sparrows. Because these species were introduced to North America and are not considered migratory in the regulatory sense under the MBTA, they can be managed without MBTA permit requirements. The other birds listed—robins and thrushes, hawks and owls, parrots and parakeets—are typically protected by the MBTA or are subject to other wildlife regulations, so they don’t fit the “not protected” category.