BIRD DEFINITIONS. Game Birds: Migratory game birds and upland game birds.

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1 Birds Page4

2 Page5 BIRD DEFINITIONS Wild Birds: Migratory game birds; upland game birds; and all undomesticated feathered vertebrates, except Pigeon, English Sparrow, European Starling and Mute Swans. Migratory Birds: All birds, whether or not raised in captivity, included in the terms of conventions between the United States and any foreign country for the protection of migratory birds and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as defined and listed in Part 10 of Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Game Birds: Migratory game birds and upland game birds. Migratory Game Birds: Those migratory birds for which open seasons are prescribed by the United States Department of the Interior and belonging to the following families: Coots Cranes Brant Gallinules Geese Rails Snipe Swans Wild Doves Wild Ducks Woodcock Upland Game Birds: Grouse Pheasant Quail Wild Turkey (also a Big Game Animal)

3 Page6 Legal Requirements for Migratory Birds Non-lethal Methods (required before attempting lethal methods): o Direct capture & removal from structure with release on property o Harassment o Landscape modification o State Depredation Permit Required o Federal Permit Required: The USDA-Wildlife Services office must facilitate the procurement of a depredation permit through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Atlanta. For some species, hunting during the regulated hunting season (where applicable). It is illegal to destroy eggs or nests or to possess these birds in captivity without federal and state permits. Refer to NCWRC District Wildlife Biologist or USDA-Wildlife Services. Injured or Orphaned Migratory Birds: In the case of injured or orphaned ospreys or eagles, see the Eagles, Hawks, and Owls section. Encourage the person to leave injured or orphaned birds where they were found. If they insist the bird must receive care, they may deliver it to a rehabilitator licensed to work with migratory birds. Non-lethal Methods required before attempting Lethal Methods!

4 Page7 BLACKBIRDS Black Birds are federally protected migratory species. Non-lethal Methods (required before attempting lethal methods): o Direct capture & removal from structure with release on property. o Harassment o Landscape modification o State Depredation Permit always required o Federal Permit Required: The USDA-Wildlife Services office must facilitate the procurement of a depredation permit through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Atlanta. Exceptions: Federal law states that blackbirds (yellow-headed, red-winged, rusty, Brewer s, cowbirds, and all grackles) causing or about to cause damage to personal property, crops, trees, livestock, or wildlife may be shot without having to obtain a federal permit. Blackbirds (yellow-headed, red-winged, rusty, Brewer s, cowbirds, and all grackles) concentrated in such numbers as to constitute a health hazard may also be shot without a federal permit (if discharge of firearms is allowed by city and/or local ordinances). It is illegal to destroy eggs or nests or to possess these birds in captivity without federal and state permits. Refer to NCWRC District Wildlife Biologist or USDA-Wildlife Services. What is a blackbird? Most species of blackbirds are federally protected migratory species. The term blackbirds may refer to yellow-headed blackbird, red-winged blackbirds, rusty blackbirds, Brewer s blackbirds, starlings, grackles, or brown-headed cowbirds. Depredation Permit always required!

5 Page8 CANADA GEESE, Resident (see Geese section for Migratory Canada Geese) What are Resident Canada Geese? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) identifies resident Canada geese as those: Nesting within the lower 48 States and the District of Columbia in the months of March, April, May, or June. or Residing within the lower 48 States and the District of Columbia in the months of April, May, June, July, or August. Although resident Canada geese are non-migratory, they are still managed by the USFWS as a migratory waterfowl. Therefore, all permits must be issued through the USFWS. Non-lethal Methods (required before trying lethal removal): o Harassment o Landscape modification o State Depredation Permit required, unless only addling eggs. o Federal Permit Required: The USDA-Wildlife Services office must facilitate the procurement of a depredation permit through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Atlanta. o Hunting during season in fall and winter. Check for season dates. It is legal to destroy eggs and/or nests with registration to USFWS (see below). o Nests and eggs may only be destroyed between March 1 and June 30. o Relocation of nests and eggs is not permitted. It is illegal to possess these birds in captivity without federal and state permits. Refer to NCWRC District Wildlife Biologist or USDA-Wildlife Services. Destroying Resident Canada Goose Nests and Eggs: You must be registered in order to destroy the nest(s) and egg(s) of Resident Canada Geese. You can go to the following website to register: Registration is FREE! The order does not authorize the killing of any migratory bird species or destruction of any nests or eggs other than those of resident Canada geese. State Depredation Permit and Federal Permit always required!

6 Page9 What does the Resident Canada Goose Nest and Egg Depredation Order allow? The resident Canada goose nest and egg depredation order authorizes landowners and local governments who register with the Service to destroy resident Canada goose nests and eggs on property under their jurisdiction when necessary to resolve or prevent injury to people, property, agricultural crops, or other interests. The order does not authorize the killing of any migratory bird species or destruction of any nests or eggs other than those of resident Canada geese. Can a pest control company or other third party register for a landowner? The regulations require a landowner to be registered before nests and eggs may be destroyed on their property. If a landowner requests a third party to register on his or her behalf, it is between the landowner and the third party. The registration must be in the landowner s name with the landowner s address. However, if the landowner wishes the third party to be the primary contact for the Service, the User Profile should include the third party s address. The landowner remains responsible for the activities on his or her property. Registration at: What is the reporting requirement and how do I comply? Each registered landowner must report the number of nests with eggs that were destroyed on their property and the month they were destroyed by October 31 of the registration year. A report is required even if no nests or eggs were destroyed. Landowners cannot reregister in future seasons if they have an outstanding report. The report information is used by the Service to monitor and assess resident Canada goose populations. What methods are allowed for destroying and disposing of nests and eggs? Eggs may be shaken, punctured, or oiled. Anyone oiling eggs must use 100% corn oil, a substance exempted from regulation by the US EPA under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide & Rodenticide Act. Destroyed nest material and eggs may be left in the field or disposed of by burial, incineration, or placement in outgoing trash, in accordance with local ordinances. Nests and eggs may not be retained for personal use. No one is authorized to possess, sell, offer for sale, barter, or ship for the purpose of sale or barter nests or eggs taken under the depredation order. The following is a tech note from USDA Wildlife Services regarding egg addling entitled: "Egg Oil: An Avian Population Control Tool Tech Note" State Depredation Permit and Federal Permit always required!

7 Page10 Are there specific protocols that must be followed for addling resident Canada goose eggs? Numerous publications by State and Federal agencies, university extension services, and humane societies provide protocols for oiling, shaking, or puncturing resident Canada goose eggs, and for destroying eggs and replacing with dummy eggs. The Service does not mandate or endorse one particular protocol. State Depredation Permit and Federal Permit always required!

8 Page11 Sick Swifts: CHIMNEY SWIFTS Chimney swifts are federally protected migratory species. It is illegal to destroy eggs or nests or to possess these birds in captivity without federal and state permits. o No permits will be issued to relocate or remove swifts during the nesting season, unless there is a documented health hazard. o Nesting season: April through September Non-lethal Methods (required before trying lethal removal): o Direct capture & removal from structure with release on property Swifts cannot be excluded during the nesting season (April-September) o State Depredation permit required o Federal Permit required: The USDA-Wildlife Services office must facilitate the procurement of a depredation permit through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Atlanta. Refer to NCWRC District Wildlife Biologist or USDA-Wildlife Services. Most swifts reported to be sick have probably been injured by flying into a window, power line, or vehicle (see Injured section below). If the contact is certain the bird is sick, they should be informed that individual birds occasionally get sick and die. If the contact advises that multiple birds are dead within a short period of time, the appropriate district wildlife biologist should be contacted. Injured or Orphaned Swallows and Swifts: If a young swift has fallen out of the nest, place the young swift back up the chimney and into the nest if possible. If they insist the bird must receive care, they may deliver it to a rehabilitator licensed to work with migratory birds. State Depredation Permit and Federal Permit always required!

9 Page12 CHIMNEY SWIFTS FACT SHEET The Chimney Swift is one of four species of swifts found in North America and the species most commonly found east of the Rocky Mountains. They eat flying insects, including mosquitoes and termites. Chimney Swifts have the ability for vertical flight and claws that allow them to cling to vertical surfaces. At the same time, they are unable to stand upright on a surface. Together, these characteristics require them to build their nests in chimneys as well as abandoned buildings and stone wells. Chimney swifts do not need acres of unspoiled wilderness, expansive wetlands or complicated wildlife management plans. They only need one square foot of an unused column - like masonry chimneys - during the summer when fireplaces are not in use, as well as a little tolerance. Swifts arrive in the continental United States in late March and are gone by early November. Nesting can begin in April and sometimes continues through August. Their numbers are declining and they are protected by both State Wildlife Codes and Federal law under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of Chimney swifts are also considered a Moderate Priority Species on the Partners in Flight watch list, as one of the 90 species ranked in the highest tiers of conservation concern. Physical Characteristics Adult Chimney Swifts are most commonly seen in flight, usually in groups. When soaring, their long, scythe -shaped wings span about 12.5 inches supporting a proportionally short body with a squared-off tail. Their flickering, bat-like flight when flapping their wings is due to short, massive wing bones. Chimney Swifts' flight is accompanied by a sharp "chippering" or "ticking" call. At rest, an average 5 inch, 22 gram adult is sooty-gray to black with the throat silvery-gray in color. Both sexes are identical in appearance. The long wings cross by an inch or more over the tail feathers, which are tipped by pointed bristles. The claws and tail bristles are used to cling to rough vertical surfaces. Swifts are unable to perch or stand upright. Chimney Swifts winter in the Amazon Basin of Peru. Life Cycle Chimney Swifts are usually single-brooded, meaning that there will be only one active nest in any structure regardless of the size of the site. The female normally lays four to five white eggs in a nest. The nest is made of twigs which are broken from the tips of tree branches, glued together with saliva and attached to a vertical surface. Both sexes are involved in nest construction. The eggs are incubated by alternating adults for nineteen to twenty-one days. Both parents feed the babies. The feeding continues until about 30 days after hatching. The babies are pink, blind, completely naked at birth and totally dependent on their parents. They tend to grip tightly to the nest, throwing their head back and chattering quietly for food. Within a few days, black pin feathers begin to appear. The young are able to climb, and they exhibit preening behavior even before their feathers emerge. By the time they are eight to ten State Depredation Permit and Federal Permit always required!

10 Page13 days of age, the tips of the babies' flight feathers begin to unfurl. At fourteen to seventeen days of age, their eyes begin to open and their vocalizations become very loud and animated. Shortly after their eyes open, most of the flight and body feathers will be unfurled. However, the feathers around the face and head will stay in sheath for several days -- giving the birds a "frostyfaced" appearance. By the time Chimney Swifts are 21 days old, they will cling tightly to the nest or chimney wall then rear back and flap their wings furiously until they are panting and out of breath. Twenty-eight to thirty days after hatching, young Chimney Swifts will leave the safety of the chimney for their first flight. Once an entire brood has fledged, they will fly with their parents in slow, noisy parades around the area of the nest site. The young will return frequently to the roost during the first few days, but may soon begin to visit other roosts in the area. At the end of the breeding season, the swifts' communal instincts peak prior to fall migration. They congregate in flocks of hundreds and even thousands at suitable roost sites. Although Chimney Swifts can withstand a few early cool snaps, they will usually fly south with the first major cold-front in the fall. Other Facts and Information You may hear that the nests of these birds are fire hazards and that their droppings are dangerous to human health. However, this is not completely true. Nests are very small and will easily disappear with the first fire, as will any droppings. Many people welcome these birds into their chimneys every year. In turn, Chimney Swifts consume enormous amounts of insects, which can be beneficial. Rain can sometimes loosen the nest and young swifts will fall down into the fireplace. They can be put back up the chimney. It is always best to leave them with their parents because baby swifts have a better chance of surviving with their parents. Benefits of Helping Chimney Swifts The Breeding Bird Survey indicates Chimney Swifts have been declining since However, they have a lot to offer humans. They are among our most valuable birds, eating nearly one third of their own weight in flying insect pests such as mosquitoes, biting flies and termites every day. They are also beautiful and entertaining to watch. They need human help and conservation in order to survive. Resources An excellent reference for Chimney Swift Conservation can be found at: This website promotes the conservation of Chimney Swifts through public education, preservation of existing habitat and creation of new nesting and roosting sites. State Depredation Permit and Federal Permit always required!

11 Page14 CROWS Crows are federally protected migratory species. Non-lethal Methods (required before attempting lethal methods): o Direct capture & removal from structure with release on property o State Depredation permit always required o Federal Permit Required Exceptions: There is a blackbird depredation order for use by the public. Under this order (50 CFR 21.43), no Federal permit is required by anyone to remove crows if they are committing or about to commit depredations upon ornamental or shade trees, agricultural crops, livestock, or wildlife, or when concentrated in such numbers and manner as to constitute a health hazard or other nuisance. Crows concentrated in such numbers as to constitute a health hazard may also be shot without a federal permit (if discharge of firearms is allowed by city and/or local ordinances). o Federal Permit always required to trap problem crows. It is illegal to destroy eggs or nests or to possess these birds in captivity without federal and state permits. Hunting Season with a hunting license Check for season dates. Refer to NCWRC District Wildlife Biologist or USDA-Wildlife Services. Injured or Orphaned Crows: Encourage the person to leave injured or orphaned crows where they were found. If they insist the bird must receive care, they may deliver it to a rehabilitator licensed to work with migratory birds. State Depredation Permit and Federal Permit always required!

12 Page15 Ducks (Domestic) Domestic ducks (White ducks) are not under the jurisdiction of the NCWRC nor the federal government. Non-lethal Methods: o Direct capture & removal from structure with release on property. o No federal permit needed. o No state depredation permit required. Please see Muscovy Duck section for different requirements!!! As of 2010, the Muscovy Duck was added to the list of Migratory Birds, thus under the jurisdiction of the NCWRC and the Federal Government. State and Federal Permits NOT needed for Domestic Ducks!

13 Page16 DUCKS (Wild) Wild Ducks are federally protected migratory species. Non-lethal Methods (required before attempting lethal methods): o Direct capture & removal from structure with release on property o Landscape modification o State Depredation Permit Required o Federal Permit Required: The USDA-Wildlife Services office must facilitate the procurement of a depredation permit through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Atlanta. It is illegal to destroy eggs or nests or to possess these birds, and/or their parts, in captivity without federal and state permits. Hunting Season with a hunting license o Check for season dates. Refer to NCWRC District Wildlife Biologist or USDA-Wildlife Services Injured Ducks Encourage the person to leave the duck where it was found. If they insist it must be given attention, provide them with the number of a rehabilitator licensed to work with migratory birds. Sick Ducks Contact the appropriate district wildlife biologist. Orphaned Ducks Encourage the complainant to leave orphaned ducks or eggs where they found them. Ducklings and eggs should not be transported to rehabilitators because they must be raised by and imprint on a wild hen to exist in the wild. State and Federal Permits always required, unless hunting with hunting license!

14 Page17 EAGLES, FALCONS, HAWKS and OWLS These are federally protected migratory species. Non-lethal Methods (required before attempting lethal methods): o Direct capture & removal from structure with release on property o Landscape modification Lethal Removal: o State Depredation Permit Required o Federal Permit Required: The USDA-Wildlife Services office must facilitate the procurement of a depredation permit through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Atlanta. It is illegal to destroy eggs or nests or to possess these birds in captivity without federal and state permits. Refer to NCWRC District Wildlife Biologist or USDA-Wildlife Services They may not legally be possessed, trapped, shot or otherwise harmed without first obtaining both state and federal permits. The permit requirement includes birds accidentally killed by vehicles, etc. Injured or Orphaned: The caller should contact the nearest wildlife rehabilitator who has a federal permit to possess raptors and then make arrangements to transport the bird to them. Nuisance or Depredation: Nuisance or depredation complaints should be referred to the appropriate district wildlife biologist or to the USDA Wildlife Services office in Raleigh. Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon Nests: NCWRC is interested in knowing the location of bald eagle and peregrine falcon nests. (There is no reason to call and report just seeing a bald eagle or peregrine falcon.) Callers with this type of information should be referred to the appropriate Faunal Diversity Program personnel or district wildlife biologist. State and Federal Permits always required!

15 Page18 English Sparrows also known as House Sparrows Non-lethal Methods: o Direct capture & removal from structure with release on property. o Harassment o No federal permit needed o No state depredation permit needed o House/English Sparrows, are not protected and may be shot at any time (if discharge of firearms is allowed by city and/or local ordinances). State Depredation Permit and Federal Permit NOT required!

16 Page19 GEESE Geese are federally protected migratory species. What Geese are protected in North Carolina? Barnacle Goose, Branta leucopsis Atlantic Brant, Branta bernicla Cackling Goose, Branta hutchinsii Canada Goose, Branta canadensis Greater White-fronted Goose, Anser albifrons Ross's Goose, Chen rossii Snow Goose, Chen caerulescens WDCA Options for Geese: Non-lethal Methods (required before trying lethal removal): o Harassment o Landscape modification o State Depredation permit required o Federal Permit Required: The USDA-Wildlife Services office must facilitate the procurement of a depredation permit through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Atlanta. Hunting during season in fall and winter. o Check for season dates or you can also call the Migratory Bird Hunting Dates and Shooting Hours toll free at for more information. It is illegal to destroy eggs or nests or to possess these birds, and/or their parts, in captivity without federal and state permits. WDCAs should first make the determination that the birds in question are definitely migratory geese and not domesticated birds (i.e. Muscovy ducks, white geese, greylags, etc.). Domesticated geese and ducks are not protected. Nuisance/Depredation by Geese: Most issues caused by geese are caused by Canada Geese. Canada goose management requires a multi-disciplinary or integrated pest management approach. These methods include: Removal of food resources: food handouts, planting tall fescue (K-31), repellents Multiple harassment methods: pyrotechnics, Mylar tape, hazing, border collies State Depredation Permit and Federal Permit always required!

17 Page20 Habitat modification: dense shoreline vegetation, flight obstructions, vision obstacles Physical barriers: fencing, Mylar barrier, overhead grid Population control: hunting, egg addling (with permit), depredation permit Round-ups are only possible during the molt, making the window of opportunity brief (June 10 - July 10). Injured Geese: Encourage the person to leave the goose where it was found. If they insist it must be given attention, provide them with the number of a rehabilitator licensed to work with migratory birds. The following is a link to the Carolina Waterfowl Rescue website: Sick or Dead Geese: Occasionally geese will contract diseases which may kill a few or several birds in a short period of time. The appropriate NCWRC district wildlife biologist should be contacted to report a disease occurrence. Orphaned Geese: Encourage the complainant to leave orphaned geese or eggs where they found them. Goslings and eggs should not be transported to rehabilitators because they must be raised by and imprint on a wild hen to exist in the wild. State Depredation Permit and Federal Permit always required!

18 Page21 Nuisance: GULLS Gulls are federally protected migratory species. Non-lethal Methods (required before trying lethal removal): o Direct capture & removal from structure with release on property o State Depredation Permit required o Federal Permit Required: The USDA-Wildlife Services office must facilitate the procurement of a depredation permit through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Atlanta. It is illegal to destroy eggs or nests or to possess these birds in captivity without federal and state permits. Refer to NCWRC District Wildlife Biologist or USDA-Wildlife Services. Gulls may congregate in large numbers near a permanent food source, such as a landfill or poultry disposal facility, and may endanger air traffic on or near airport runways. They can also be quite common in large parking lots, like at shopping malls. Sick Gulls: Occasionally gulls will contract diseases which may kill a few or several birds in a short period of time. The appropriate NCWRC district wildlife biologist should be contacted to report a disease occurrence. Injured Gulls: Encourage the person to leave the gull where it was found. If they insist it must be given attention, provide them with the number of a rehabilitator licensed to work with migratory birds. State and Federal Permits always required!

19 Page22 Muscovy Ducks Muscovy Ducks are federally protected migratory species. Non-lethal Methods (required before trying lethal removal): o Direct capture & removal from structure with release on property o State Depredation Permit required o Federal Permit Required: The USDA-Wildlife Services office must facilitate the procurement of a depredation permit through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Atlanta. It is illegal to destroy eggs or nests or to possess these birds in captivity without federal and state permits. It is illegal to release captive-bred muscovy ducks to the wild, including for hunting. Refer to NCWRC District Wildlife Biologist or USDA-Wildlife Services. Depredation and Federal Permit needed for Muscovy Ducks

20 Page23 Mute Swans Non-lethal Methods: o Direct capture & removal from structure with release on property. o No federal permit needed o No state depredation permit needed Mute Swans non-native to North America and are not protected and may be shot at any time (if discharge of firearms is allowed by city and/or local ordinances). Don t confuse Mute Swans (non-native) with Tundra Swans (a federally-protected migratory bird)! Know the difference before taking action! Examine pictures below! Mute Swan (unprotected) Tundra Swan (Protected) The mute swan is easily told apart from other swans by its orange bill and the prominent black, fleshy knob extending from the base of its bill to its forehead. State Depredation Permit & Federal Permit NOT needed for Mute Swans

21 Page24 PIGEONS Pigeons (also known as rock pigeons) are feral forms of escaped or released domesticated birds not native to North America. Rock pigeons are not protected by federal laws and are not under the jurisdiction of the NCWRC. Non-lethal Methods: o Direct capture & removal from structure with release on property. o Harrassment o No federal permit needed o No state depredation permit needed o Pigeons, escaped or feral domesticated birds, are not protected and may be shot at any time (if discharge of firearms is allowed by city and/or local ordinances). Nuisance Most pigeon problems occur in urban areas or near grain operations and are the result of accumulation of droppings on and below roosting sites. Pigeons are not protected and can be shot or trapped without permits (if allowed by city and/or local ordinance). Shooting may not be allowed by some city and/or local ordinances. Trapped birds should be dispatched humanely and disposed of in a sanitary manner. Visual and auditory deterrents usually have little effect on pigeons, especially if the pigeons have reached problem status before these techniques are started. Spraying nest sites with a garden hose may work temporarily, but must be done persistently until the pigeons establish themselves elsewhere. Nest and roost sites may be modified to make the site less attractive to the pigeons. Ledges and window sills may be screened. Porcupine wires may be installed on the ledges to discourage the pigeons from nesting on ledges. The slope of the nesting ledges may be changed to exceed 45 o. There are various non-toxic, sticky substances on the market that can be applied to the ledge or window sill to deter birds from roosting and nesting on ledges. Use of Pesticides on Pigeons: The NC Pesticide Board has established the following restrictions concerning the use of pesticides in controlling pigeons: Only materials registered for this purpose are to be used in accordance with directions on the label. That pesticides be distributed in such a manner as to minimize hazard to non-target State Depredation Permit & Federal Permit NOT needed!

22 Page25 species, and that all unconsumed bait which is not in protected bait stations be picked up within one week. In municipalities dead birds must be picked up and disposed of by incineration or buried at intervals not to exceed 24 hours. Some of these chemicals are Restricted Use and require proper certification to purchase and/or use them. Sick or Injured Pigeons Sick or injured pigeons should be dispatched humanely and disposed of in a sanitary manner. What if I found a banded pigeon? If you find a banded pigeon, you can go to the American Racing Pigeon Union, which explains how to read the band number, locate the club that issued the band and tells you how to report the band on the pigeon you found. The link: State Depredation Permit & Federal Permit NOT needed!

23 Page26 SONGBIRDS Most species of songbirds are federally protected species. Non-lethal Methods (required before trying lethal removal): o Direct capture & removal from structure with release on property o State Depredation Permit required o Federal Permit required: The USDA-Wildlife Services office must facilitate the procurement of a depredation permit through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Atlanta. It is illegal to destroy eggs or nests or to possess these birds in captivity without federal and state permits. Refer to NCWRC District Wildlife Biologist or USDA-Wildlife Services. Nuisance Most complaints about songbirds involve house sparrows, European starlings, or a species of blackbird (also see Blackbird section). Only house sparrows, European starlings, and rock pigeons which are introduced exotics, are not protected and may be shot at any time (if discharge of firearm is allwed by city and/or local ordinance). Because songbirds are federally protected, it is not legal for farmers or homeowners to control offending birds without first obtaining a permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service in Atlanta, GA. Sick Songbirds: Most songbirds reported to be sick have probably been injured by flying into a window, power line, or vehicle. Occasionally recently fledged young birds can appear to be sick, but are just poor flyers. If the contact is certain the bird is sick, they should be informed that individual birds occasionally get sick and die. If the contact advises that multiple birds are dead within a short period of time, the appropriate district wildlife biologist should be contacted. Bluejays, crows, and raptors are particularly susceptible to West Nile virus. If a bluejay, crow, or raptor is found sick or dead, West Nile virus should be suspected. This includes birds that fly into windows, because disorientation is one symptom of West Nile. Dead State Depredation Permit and Federal Permit always required!

24 Page27 birds should be handled with gloves and picked up with a plastic bag and should be immediately frozen. Procedures for handling and submitting birds can be found at or by calling If poisoning is suspected refer to the Poisoned Wildlife section. Injured or Orphaned Songbirds Encourage the person to leave injured or orphaned songbirds, their nests, or their eggs where they were found. If they insist the bird must receive care, they may deliver it to a rehabilitator licensed to work with migratory birds. State Depredation Permit and Federal Permit always required!

25 Page28 Starlings, European Non-lethal Methods: o Direct capture & removal from structure with release on property. o No federal permit needed o No state depredation permit needed o European starlings, an introduced exotic, are not protected and may be shot at any time (if discharge of firearms is allowed by city and/or local ordinances). Also check to see if city is a designated bird sanctuary. State Depredation Permit and Federal Permit NOT needed!

26 Page29 SWALLOWS and SWIFTS Swallows and swifts are federally protected migratory species. Non-lethal Methods (required before trying lethal removal): o Direct capture & removal from structure with release on property Cannot exclude swifts during the nesting season (May-September) o State Depredation permit required o Federal Permit required: The USDA-Wildlife Services office must facilitate the procurement of a depredation permit through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Atlanta. It is illegal to destroy eggs or nests or to possess these birds in captivity without federal and state permits. o No permits will be issued to relocate swifts during the nesting season, unless there is a documented health hazard. o Nesting season: May through September Refer to NCWRC District Wildlife Biologist or USDA-Wildlife Services. Sick Swallows and Swifts: Most swallows or swifts reported to be sick have probably been injured by flying into a window, power line, or vehicle (see Injured section below). If the contact is certain the bird is sick, they should be informed that individual birds occasionally get sick and die. If the contact advises that multiple birds are dead within a short period of time, the appropriate district wildlife biologist should be contacted. Injured or Orphaned Swallows and Swifts: Encourage the person to leave injured or orphaned songbirds, their nests, or their eggs where they were found. If they insist the bird must receive care, they may deliver it to a rehabilitator licensed to work with migratory birds. State Depredation Permit and Federal Permit always required!

27 Page30 Wild Turkeys Wild Turkeys are Big Game Animal Wildlife Damage Control Agents are not authorized to handle wild turkeys! Refer to NCWRC District Wildlife Biologist. Turkeys are classified as big game animal and WDCAs cannot issue depredation permits for big game species (wild turkey, deer, bear, wild boar) in North Carolina. Domestic Turkeys Domestic turkeys (white turkeys, Bronze turkeys, and others) are not under the jurisdiction of the NCWRC. Pen-raised or tame turkeys that are indistinguishable from wild birds are considered wild and are under the jurisdiction of the NCWRC. Injured Wild Turkey Encourage the person to leave the turkey where it was found. If they insist it must be given attention, provide them with the number of a rehabilitator and inform them that they must arrange delivery or pick up with the rehabilitator. Sick Wild Turkey Contact the appropriate district wildlife biologist. Orphaned Wild Turkey Encourage the complainant to leave orphaned turkeys or eggs where they found them. Turkey poults and eggs should not be transported to rehabilitators because poults must be raised by and imprint on a wild hen to exist in the wild. Wild turkeys that are pen-raised and released frequently cause problems. It is illegal to release pen-reared turkeys back into the wild. Suggest to the contact that disruption of turkey nests can be avoided if mowing is delayed until July. Nuisance or Depredation Wild turkeys seldom cause problems for farmers and landowners in North Carolina. Most problems and complaints are associated with pen-raised wild turkeys that have been illegally released. These birds are semi-tame and may scratch in gardens or flowerbeds, roost on cars and houses, or even chase people. Feeding wild turkeys on a regular basis can create some of these same problems, including attacking shiny parts of vehicles. Wildlife Damage Control Agents are not authorized to handle wild turkeys!

28 Page31 Vultures Vultures are federally protected migratory species. Non-lethal Methods (required before trying lethal removal): o Harassment o State Depredation Permit required o Federal Permit required: The USDA-Wildlife Services office must facilitate the procurement of a depredation permit through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Atlanta. It is illegal to destroy eggs or nests or to possess these birds in captivity without federal and state permits. Refer to NCWRC District Wildlife Biologist or USDA-Wildlife Services. Two species, turkey vultures and black vultures, are found in North Carolina. It is illegal to kill or harm vultures, their eggs or nests without receiving a federal permit. Depredation/Nuisance: Vultures tend to form roosts, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. Typically these roosts occur during the non-breeding season, especially in fall, winter and early spring. Occasionally these roosts may be near a permanent food source, such as a landfill or poultry disposal facility, in these cases control may be difficult. Vultures have also been known to destroy the upholstery of boats and damage roof shingles. Black vultures will occasionally kill or maim livestock, particularly newborn lambs or calves and are capable of capturing small animals. Initially, non-lethal methods are recommended for removing vultures. Numerous methods for non-lethal harassment exist. All of the methods may not be feasible for your area so it is suggested that individuals try those that are appropriate their locality. Contact your local law enforcement officials about the use of firearms, noise devices, and pyrotechnics. The methods are listed below: Audio deterrents: Air horns, sirens, shotguns used for the sole purpose of dispersing birds, car horns, LP gas canons, pyrotechnics, audio repelling devices. Habitat manipulation: Removal of large dead trees or structures attracting birds. State Depredation Permit and Federal Permit always required!

29 Page32 Removal of food: Feeding pets indoors, not leaving food exposed outside, putting trash in a canister with lid, have livestock bear their young indoors, removing roadkill or livestock carcasses. Visual deterrents: Effigies, high-power flashlights (spotlight), pyrotechnics, scare balloons, mylar tape. In certain circumstances vultures may be removed by a lethal means; although this is usually the last option. Vultures are federally protected by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and for the legal removal of vultures the individual who owns the property must obtain a permit from the USFWS. The USDA-WS can help individuals seeking assistance apply for the USFWS permit. Injured or Orphaned: Encourage the person to leave injured or orphaned vultures where they were found. If they insist the bird must receive care, they may deliver it to a rehabilitator licensed to work with migratory birds. State Depredation Permit and Federal Permit always required!

30 Page33 Woodpeckers Woodpeckers are federally protected migratory species. Non-lethal Methods (required before trying lethal removal): o Harassment o State Depredation permit required o Federal Permit required The USDA-Wildlife Services office must facilitate the procurement of a depredation permit through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Atlanta. It is illegal to destroy eggs or nests or to possess these birds in captivity without federal and state permits. Refer to NCWRC District Wildlife Biologist or USDA-Wildlife Services Nuisance or Depredation: Most calls involve birds pecking on wood-sided houses or excavating holes in wood-sided houses. This can be a very serious and expensive problem for the homeowner. Woodpeckers will also drum (bang) on resonant parts of houses (like gutters) to defend territories. This happens most often in springtime and during the day. Typically birds to this due to a lack of good drumming snags (dead trees) in the area. Because woodpeckers are federally protected, it is not legal for homeowners to shoot the offending birds without first obtaining a permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service in Atlanta. There are non-lethal solutions to woodpecker problems: o If damage is fresh, woodpeckers frequently can be found roosting at night on the side of the house near the damage site. Suggest that homeowner check the sides of the house with a flashlight before going to bed. If a woodpecker is observed, turn off the flashlight and spray the bird with water from a garden hose. This will also work on woodpeckers that are drumming on houses. Frequently, this is all that is needed to scare woodpeckers and keep them from returning. Injured or Orphaned Woodpecker: Encourage the person to leave injured or orphaned woodpeckers where they were found. If they insist the bird must receive care, they may deliver it to a rehabilitator licensed to work with federally protected birds. State Depredation Permit and Federal Permit always required!