What kind of birds can be hatched in Alabama and let go free?

Question

My 12 year old daughter wants to take care of baby birds and then let them go. What kind of bird would be appropriate for this?

Obviously I am gathering information to prevent doing anything illegal. Do you have any suggestions on how I can have my daughter raise a baby bird?

Are you suggesting a native non-domestic, non-migratory bird like quail or duck or some other game birds?

Answer 1

It is illegal to release any domestic, non-native bird in the US. It is illegal to have in your possession any native migratory bird, its eggs, its nest or even its feathers.

All native migratory birds in the US are protected by federal law (Migratory Bird Treaty Act) and you need special permits to have protected birds in your possession.

Domestic birds are illegal to release into the wild population because they can introduce disease into the native population, and they can compete with the native populations for resources (food and habitat).


Edit - no, actually I am suggesting not encouraging your daughter in this project, as it may not be possible for her to do it. However, why not contact your local office of the US Fish and Wildlife Service and ask them what they would suggest?

Obviously, if it is a native, migratory bird, you would not be able to get a breeding pair, nor an egg to hatch. If it is a domestic bird, you can not release it.

Even game birds are regulated, so the only place to get the info, or the permits you would need, would be the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Answer 2

Is there any reason you cannot buy her a pet bird & keep it.