Wildlife / Birds
Most native birds are protected by state or federal law. Outside a lawful hunting season or permit, that generally means you may not kill, capture, or keep the bird, its eggs, or its feathers. A nest can have its own rules too, so identify the species and check before moving one.
Do not remove or destroy a nest with eggs or young in it. Once a nest looks empty, confirm the species and current rule before taking it down: eagle nests and nests of some protected species can remain protected when inactive.
For protected native birds, you can't keep a found feather - or a nest or eggs - even if you found it on the ground. Feathers of legally hunted game birds and the non-native species below are fine.
The exceptions: TPWD's current unprotected list includes European starlings, house (English) sparrows, feral pigeons (rock doves), Egyptian geese, Muscovy ducks except in Hidalgo, Starr, and Zapata counties, and Eurasian collared-doves. A Texas hunting license is still required. Local firearm, trespass, and safety rules still apply too.
Official sources
Bird protection comes from the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service), with TPWD enforcing protections in Texas. A few non-native species are not covered.
Before you act: Federal bird law is strict, and there are narrow permit rules for nests and salvage. The official USFWS pages are the final word. How to use Texas Porch carefully.
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