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The Law Regarding Wild Birds

The following is an extract from the Wildlife and Countryside Act:

Basic protection afforded to birds
All birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law and it is an offence, with certain exceptions, to intentionally:
a) kill, injure or take any wild bird
b) take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.
c) take or destroy the egg of any wild bird
d) have in ones possession or control any wild bird (dead or alive) or part of a wild bird which has been taken in contravention of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 or the Protection of Birds Act 1954
c) have in one's possession or control an egg or part of an egg which has been taken in contravention of the Act
f) have in one's possession or control any birds of a species occurring on Schedule 4 of the Act unless registered and ringed in accordance with the Secretary of States ?regulations g) disturb any wild bird listed on Schedule 1 while it is nest building or is at (or near) a nest with eggs or young; or disturb the dependent young of such a bird.

Sale of live wild birds and their eggs
It is an offence to sell, offer for sale, possess or transport for sale or exchange:
a) any live bird unless listed on Schedule 3 Part I if captive?bred and fitted with an approved close?ring as defined by the regulations and issued by the British Bird Council (BBC) or the International Ornithological Association (IOA); or covered by a General Licence
b) the egg of any wild bird (whether or not taken in contravention of the Act).

Sale of dead wild birds
The sale of most dead wild birds, other than those listed on Schedule 3, Part II or Ill, is permitted under the terms of a General Licence issued by the DETR. Documentary evidence must accompany the sale to show that the bird was lawfully removed from the wild or bred in captivity. The seller must keep certain records concerning the sale of the bird, including the cause of death, and these must be sent to the DETR by 31 December, each year. Birds listed on Schedule 3, Part II may be sold dead at all times. Those on Schedule 3, Part Ill may only be sold dead from 1 September until 28 February. Game birds may only be sold dead during the open season and for a period of up to 10 days immediately after the end of that season.

Exhibition of wild birds
It is an offence to show at any competition, or in premises in which a competition is being held, any live wild bird unless listed on Schedule 3 Part I if captive bred and fitted with an approved close?ring as defined by the regulations; or covered by a General Licence

Prohibited methods of killing and taking wild birds
The following methods of killing, injuring or taking wild birds are normally prohibited, except under licence: any spring, trap, gin, snare, hook and line, electrical device, poisonous stupefying, substance, net, gas or smoke, baited board, bird lime or similar substance or chemical wetting agent. The use of any sound recording or live bird as a decoy if tethered, blinded or maimed is illegal as is the use of bows, crossbows, explosives (other than ammunition for firearms), Automatic or semi-automatic weapons…

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