Attempting to keep a wild bird as a pet is generally not a good idea, and in many places, it’s actually against the law. In countries like the United States, keeping native wild birds captive is illegal at the federal level. This means that possessing a wild bird can lead to serious legal consequences, potentially even felony charges. The laws are comprehensive, often protecting not just the birds themselves but also their feathers and eggshells. This legal framework is a primary reason why the concept of domesticating a wild bird and keeping it as a pet is strongly discouraged.
Ethical Considerations of Keeping Wild Birds
Beyond the legal ramifications, there are significant ethical problems associated with keeping wild birds as pets. Removing a wild animal from its natural habitat and confining it to a cage is widely considered inhumane. Most birds commonly kept as pets, such as parrots and canaries, are domesticated species bred in captivity for generations. These captive-bred birds often have identifying leg bands, signifying they were not taken from the wild.
While some individuals might not see ethical issues in taking a wild bird home, many bird experts, especially avian veterinarians, would strongly disagree. An avian vet’s expertise would be crucial if a wild bird became sick or injured. However, finding an avian vet willing to treat an illegally kept wild bird, particularly if it’s a protected species, would be incredibly difficult, if not impossible. This lack of access to specialized care further underscores the ethical concerns.
Important Legal Note
Owning any native songbird in the U.S. is illegal under federal law.
If you encounter a wild baby bird that appears orphaned or in need of help, the best course of action is to leave it undisturbed and contact your local wildlife agency. This ensures the bird receives appropriate care while you remain within legal boundaries. There are very limited exceptions where keeping an orphaned baby bird might be legally permissible, and these usually involve non-native, unprotected species like European Starlings, Pigeons, or House Sparrows in the United States. Native species are almost universally protected.
Falconry: A Different Approach
Keeping birds of prey as pets is generally highly illegal and ill-advised due to the significant challenges in their care and legal restrictions. However, falconry presents a unique and legally regulated exception. Falconry is a sport involving trained birds of prey, typically falcons and hawks. Birds used in falconry are bred in captivity and undergo extensive training to work with falconers. Engaging in falconry requires a deep passion for the sport and a serious commitment to the welfare of these specialized birds.
Becoming a licensed falconer is a complex process. Aspiring falconers typically need to find a mentor, an experienced falconer willing to sponsor them. Furthermore, obtaining permits at both the federal and state levels is mandatory to legally keep a bird of prey for falconry. This lengthy and demanding process highlights that falconry is far from simply keeping a wild bird as a pet; it is a highly regulated and specialized practice. For those interested in learning more, the North American Falconers Association is a valuable resource.
In conclusion, while the idea of keeping a wild bird as a pet might seem appealing to some, it is crucial to understand the legal and ethical implications. For the vast majority of people, and the vast majority of bird species, the answer to “Can I Keep A Wild Bird As A Pet?” is a resounding no. Wild birds belong in the wild, and their welfare, as well as legal regulations, should always be respected. Consider the ethical and legal routes of bird companionship, such as adopting a domesticated bird from a reputable breeder or rescue organization, instead of attempting to keep a wild creature captive.
