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Official Number of Protected Migratory Bird Species Climbs to More than 1,000

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Washington, DC --(AmmoLand.com)- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Acting Director Rowan Gould today announced revisions to the list of bird species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).

Species appearing on this list are governed under migratory bird hunting and permitting regulations concerning most aspects of possession, transportation, sale, purchase, exportation, and importation of protected species.

The list, last updated in 1985, incorporates the latest taxonomic and scientific data for migratory birds. The changes include 186 new additions and 11 subtractions, bringing the total number of species protected under the MBTA to 1007.

“This update to the list of federally protected birds reflects the best available science on bird taxonomy and distribution and will help us improve management of our nation’s migratory birds,” said Gould.

“The new list benefits researchers, hunters, conservationists, state agencies, tribal governments, and birdwatchers by extending federal protection to all migratory bird species native to the United States while highlighting advances and changes in bird taxonomy that have accumulated since the list was last published.”

The Service is the primary federal agency responsible for managing migratory birds. Federal migratory bird regulations, including the list, implement the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which in turn implements treaties with Canada, Mexico, Japan and Russia. All species included on the list are considered federally protected, and governed by federal regulations limiting take (from the wild), possession, and other use.

The newly revised list reflects the addition of species based on new evidence of their occurrence in the United States or its territories. The revisions also remove species no longer known to occur within the United States and change some names to conform to accepted usages.

The changes also reflect taxonomic revisions to the bird taxa of North America published by the American Ornithologists’ Union and changes in the Migratory Bird List incorporate name changes and revisions moving some species from one taxon to another.

The final rule can be found online at http://migratorybirds.fws.gov.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov/.

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Help Wild Songbirds Survive The Winter
Tips to protect our feathered friends.

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Delaware --(AmmoLand.com)- Delaware’s frigid temperatures, high winds and recent snowfalls can be difficult for the more than 40 species of wintering songbirds that share our state’s nature resources.

Their food sources – nuts, seeds, and berries – are harder for these small birds to locate and reach, especially when covered with large accumulations of snow.

To help songbirds survive this winter, follow these tips:

• Provide a variety of seed types and regularly clean bird feeders.
• Locate feeders near cover and out of the wind so that the birds will have a place to go to escape the elements and predators.
• Suet can be a great resource during harsh weather events. Suet is a high energy, pure fat resource. Purchase pre-made suet cakes at your local retail store or search the internet for directions on how to make your own.
• Water can be hard to find, but you can provide warm water in a bowl or pan near your feeders. Heated birdbaths are also available. If you have concerns about birds bathing and then freezing, fill the container deep enough to prevent bathing.
• Use extra caution while driving. While there is snow on the ground, birds may feed along the borders of roads where the snow has melted and exposed seeds and other food sources.

According to Anthony Gonzon, wildlife biologist with the Division of Fish and Wildlife, the majority of wintering birds in our area are well adapted to make it through these challenging days. “Birds have the innate ability to track and locate food resources – if one area is covered by snow, they will move to another and continue searching until they find a food source that is accessible.”

Although some birds may perish in extreme conditions, a bird’s body is well adapted to keep it warm even when everything around it is freezing. Feathers act as natural insulators; as birds “fluff up,” they trap air between layers to retain heat. Fat stores from the high-energy foods that birds consume during the warmer weather further help them to maintain their body temperatures.

For more information on Delaware’s wild birds, contact Anthony Gonzon at 302-653-2880.

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