![]() Introduced non-native species include domesticated poultry (the source of craft feathers), feral Rock Pigeons ( Columba livia domestica), House Sparrows ( Passer domesticus), and European Starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris). However, these are typically subject to local hunting law or CITES, respectively. Native species not covered by the MBTA include members of Landfowl (order Galliformes) and Parrots (order Psittaciformes). For the purpose of the MBTA, which is administered at a federal level, a species is considered native if it occurs natively anywhere in the US or its territories, regardless of whether it is also introduced and/or invasive elsewhere. These include introduced non-natives, non-natives not present in the US or its territories, and a select few natives. ![]() Exempted SpeciesĬertain species are not protected under the MBTA. These federal permits are only valid if you also have the requisite state permits, so check what your state’s policy is as well. Similarly, those conducting scientific research can apply for a Scientific Collection permit, with collected specimens donated to an eligible institution upon the completion of study. Individuals wishing to salvage and possess feathers on a temporary basis before donating to an eligible institution might consider applying for a Salvage permit. However, public educational and scientific institutions such as universities, museums, and zoos may be eligible for the long-term possession of feathers and other bird parts. MBTA permits only exist for a select few activities, with no provisions for personal feather collections. Even feathers that are picked up off the ground are illegal to possess under the MBTA because it is near impossible to tell the difference between a naturally molted feather and one plucked off a poached bird. It prohibits the “take” (hunting, trading, transport) of most native birds and any of their parts, including feathers. ![]() The MBTA was enacted primarily in response to the wholesale slaughter of birds for the use of their skins and feathers in millinery (hat-making) in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) These feathers are protected under the MBTA. But that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to enjoy a feather-finding hobby. Abundance and variety of these birds in a given area demonstrates the presence of a healthy assortment of plants and animals on which they depend for survival.In most cases, collecting feathers in the United States is illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA), which prohibits the possession of feathers, parts, and eggs. Not a picky eater, the red-tailed hawk eats small mammals and rodents, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates like crayfish, grasshoppers, and worms.Īccording to the Missouri Department of Conservation, a healthy population of birds of prey, like red-tailed hawks is a good indicator of ecological diversity and environmental health. They play a large role in maintaining rodent populations because whatever animal is most abundant and most easily caught is their top choice for dinner. Red-tailed hawks probably take a greater variety of prey than any other American raptor except the golden eagle. During nesting, red-tails often pre-empt nest sites from red-shouldered and broad-winged hawks while occasionally adding these and smaller hawks and owls to their menu. They often steal prey from northern harriers or displace northern rough-legged hawks from hunting perches. Red-tails dominate all other Missouri hawks both in winter and during nesting. ![]() In Missouri, red-tails prefer mixed forest and farmlands, but they successfully live in any habitat with relatively sturdy, tall trees for nesting, red cedars or pines for roosting, and readily available prey populations. Its loud, defiant scream and frequent soaring are familiar to Missourians and its aggressiveness and adaptability have made it the most numerous and successful bird of prey in North America. The red-tailed hawk is a powerful, husky hawk with a wingspan known to reach almost 60 inches wide. Identifying the red-tailed hawk is easy, since the highly-visible rusty-red tail feathers cannot be confused with any other species in Missouri. Discover Nature this week as you watch for red-tailed hawks perched along highways, and consider what their presence says about other resident wildlife.
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