A federal permit is not required to control these birds when found committing or about to commit depredation upon ornamental or shade trees, agricultural crops, livestock or wildlife, or when concentrated in such number and manners as to constitute a health hazard or other nuisance. Which birds are listed?

• A. Red-winged, rusty, and Brewer's blackbird, cowbirds, all grackles, crows, and magpies
• B. Pigeons, doves, and finches
• C. Hawks and owls
• D. Sparrows and wagtails

Answer: (A)

This item tests knowledge of when a federal permit isn’t needed to control certain migratory birds under depredation rules. A specific depredation order allows control without a permit for a group of species known for causing agricultural or property damage, or when they gather in damaging numbers. The birds listed—red-winged blackbirds, rusty blackbirds, Brewer’s blackbirds, cowbirds, all grackles, crows, and magpies—are included in that order. That makes this option the best answer because it matches the species exempt from requiring a federal permit in depredation or nuisance situations.

Pigeons, doves, and finches aren’t on that exempt list, so depredation control for them would generally require a permit. Hawks and owls are protected raptors and require special authorization or non-lethal, permitted management; sparrows and wagtails aren’t part of the depredation exemption either.