Which federal act protects all birds except pigeons, house sparrows, and starlings?

• A. Migratory Bird Treaty Act
• B. Endangered Species Act
• C. Animal Welfare Act
• D. Clean Air Act

Answer: (A)

Migratory birds are protected under a federal rule designed to safeguard most birds that travel across North America, with a specific exception for a few well-known pest species. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it illegal to take, kill, possess, sell, or transport migratory birds or their nests without a permit, covering a broad range of species and situations. Among common pest birds, pigeons, house sparrows, and European starlings are not protected by this act, so management actions against them aren’t restricted by MBTA.

The other acts listed don’t provide this broad protection for migratory birds: the Endangered Species Act focuses on species that are listed as threatened or endangered; the Animal Welfare Act governs care and treatment of animals in captivity; and the Clean Air Act deals with air pollutants. So the act that matches the description is the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.