For bird lovers in California, knowing what avian pets are allowed by law is important. With over 650 native and introduced bird species calling the Golden State home,ornithophiles have plenty of feathered friends to choose from. However, regulations do restrict ownership of some wild birds.
This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about the legal status of pet birds in California.
Native California Birds That Are Legal to Own
European Starling
The European Starling is an introduced species that is now considered a resident breeder across most of California. These stocky black birds with small yellow bills gather in large flocks and prefer to nest in tree cavities or building crevices.
Although they compete with many native cavity nesters, European Starlings are legal to own without any permits as pets or livestock in California.
House Sparrow
Similar to the European Starling, the House Sparrow is an introduced species that has successfully established breeding populations across California urban and suburban areas. These noisy brown and gray birds build messy nests and may evict other birds from their nesting sites.
However, House Sparrows are legal to own without special permits and some people keep them as pets due to their melodious chirping.
Domestic Goose
The Domestic Goose descended from the Greylag Goose which is native to Eurasia. Various breeds of the large web-footed Domestic Goose are popular poultry birds on farms and homesteads in California. Geese are legal to keep as livestock without any permits, as long as owners provide proper housing, feed, water and health care.
Domestic Duck
As descendants of Mallards native to North America, the Domestic Duck has been bred into popular egg and meat producing poultry. Breeds like the Pekin Duck thrive in backyard farm settings across California.
Domestic Ducks are perfectly legal to own without any permits, though owners must adhere to poultry health regulations. Provide them access to water for swimming and bathing to keep them healthy and happy!
Non-Native Pet Birds That Are Legal in California
Budgerigars
Commonly known as budgies or parakeets, the budgerigar is one of the most popular pet birds in the world. Native to Australia, these small parrots are intelligent, social, and relatively easy to care for, making them a great option for first-time bird owners in California.
Budgies come in a rainbow of colors and can learn to talk, albeit in a squeaky voice. A spacious cage, toys, daily interaction, and a quality seed diet are musts for happy budgies.
Cockatiels
Another common pet bird in California is the cockatiel, a small Australian parrot. Cockatiels have sweet, gentle personalities and bond strongly with their owners. Some learn to whistle tunes and say a few words.
Most cockatiels have grey feathers with orange or yellow faces and crests, but color mutations like white, cinnamon, and pied are also available. Cockatiels thrive in large cages with room to flap their wings. A nutritious diet of pellets, vegetables, fruit, and seeds is important.
Lovebirds
As their name implies, lovebirds form very close bonds with humans and other lovebirds. These petite parrots from Africa are social and active. Lovebirds live harmoniously in pairs and require plenty of toys and interaction. Though small, lovebirds have big personalities and persistent voices!
Their bright green plumage makes them gorgeous additions to a home. Lovebirds eat a varied diet and enjoy exploring outside their cage.
Parakeets
The term “parakeet” refers to a number of small, slender parrots. Popular parakeets kept as pets include the budgerigar, bourke’s parakeet, elegant parakeet, and more. Most parakeet species are non-native to California but legal to own with proper permits.
Parakeets of all kinds are intelligent, social, and make engaging companions when given lots of attention. Their average lifespans range from 10-20 years. Parakeets thrive in large cages with toys to keep their active minds and bodies occupied.
Finches
Finches like zebra finches, society finches, and Gouldian finches are delightful songbirds that bring vibrant color and melody to homes. Though not as interactive as parrots, finches have lively, gregarious personalities. Their soft chirps and tweets make for charming background noise.
Finches are easy care pets that live happily in large flight cages in pairs or groups. A diet of finch seed mix, fresh veggies, and supplements keeps these little birds healthy and singing.
Birds Prohibited as Pets in California
Birds of Prey
In California, all birds of prey are banned from being kept as personal pets, including eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and vultures. This prohibition is part of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations to protect native and migratory bird species.
Birds of prey play vital ecological roles in maintaining balance in the state’s ecosystems through hunting rodents and other small animals.
The regulations strictly forbid capturing, trapping, or keeping protected avian predators even if the birds are injured or imprinted. Only licensed rehabilitators with special permits can temporarily house raptors for rehabilitation purposes before releasing them back to the wild.
Crows
Crows and ravens are highly intelligent birds that thrive living near humans in towns and cities. However, it is illegal to trap, collect, or keep crows as pets in California because they are classified as migratory game birds protected under federal and state laws.
Crows and ravens play important roles in seed dispersal and cleaning up carrion. They also warning other wildlife of impending dangers with their loud alarm calls. Keeping these resourceful birds captive could negatively impact local ecologies.
Migratory Songbirds
Songbirds like finches, warblers, orioles, larks, and tanagers are popular for their beautiful plumages and melodious songs. However, it is illegal to breed, sell, or keep native migratory songbirds as pets in California.
The strict regulations are part of conservation efforts outlined in Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Only exotic soft bills like canaries and parakeets that are bred in captivity can be legally owned as pets with proper permits.
Mynahs
Mynahs are a controversial group of chatterbox birds from Asia belonging to the starling family. Some species like the hill mynah can learn to imitate human speech and even interact using vocabulary words.
Keeping mynahs is banned in California primarily due to concerns about negative impacts if accidentally released. Mynahs pose threats to native ecosystems because they aggressively compete for nesting sites with native birds leading to decline of species like bluebirds, woodpeckers, wrens, and swallows.
Psittacines
Parrots, cockatoos, cockatiels, conures, parakeets, lories, lorikeets, and lovebirds fall under the biological order termed psittacines. The demand and popularity for pet psittacines have decimated wild populations globally.
Furthermore, according to a 2020 report, over 90% of pet psittacines do not have an acceptable home to meet proper care standards and socialization needs.
To protect wild psittacine populations and prevent improper care outcomes, California passed the Wild Bird Conservation Act which heavily restricts and regulates ownership of many members of this diverse bird group.
Permit and Registration Requirements for Pet Birds
Species Specific Permits
California has strict regulations regarding owning exotic or wild pet birds. Depending on the species, you may need to apply for special state and federal permits before acquiring an exotic bird in California. For example, acquiring migratory native songbirds requires federal permits from the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) also issues falconry permits for owners to keep birds of prey for hunting. Under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it is illegal to own native migratory birds without the proper permits.
Failing to follow regulations may lead to hefty fines or confiscation of your pet birds.
County Regulations
In addition to state and federal policies, individual counties and cities in California may have local ordinances regarding ownership of exotic birds as pets. For example, San Diego County requires pet bird owners to obtain a Multiple Animal Permit for keeping more than four exotic birds.
Some counties prohibit residents from keeping noisy nuisance birds like roosters. Be sure to check your local county laws before acquiring any exotic pet birds.
Importing Exotic Birds
Importing exotic pet birds from foreign countries involves yet another layer of regulations. USFWS and U.S. Department of Agriculture oversee the import process and require import permits for live exotic birds.
All imported birds must undergo a 30-day quarantine period at a USDA animal import center to prevent introduction of foreign animal diseases. An accredited veterinarian must document a clean bill of health before birds can be released to owners.
Best Practices for Keeping Legal Pet Birds
Providing Proper Housing
All pet birds require appropriate enclosures that allow them to stretch their wings and engage in natural behaviors. The minimum cage sizes recommended for small birds like finches, parrotlets, and budgies is 18 x 18 x 18 inches while larger parrots like Amazons and macaws need much bigger enclosures.
The bar spacing should be narrow enough so birds cannot squeeze through and get injured. Place perches, toys, food bowls, and a nest or sleeping box inside to meet their needs. Choose a location out of direct sunlight and avoid areas with drafts, smoke, fumes, or high noise levels that could stress delicate birds.
Nutrition and Foraging
Feed pet birds high-quality diets specific for their species and life stage since seed mixes alone are deficient in nutrients. Fresh chop mixes with vegetables and fruits encourage natural foraging behaviors. Place food puzzles inside cages to stimulate mental exercise.
Ensure fresh, filtered water is always available in a sipper bottle or bowl. Give treats like millet, nuts, berries and bits of healthy human foods for enrichment but avoid sugary, salty and toxic foods.
Enrichment and Socialization
In addition to housing space for exercise, all pet birds need several hours per day of supervised playtime outside their cages and interaction with human family members to thrive. Rotate new bird-safe toys weekly to prevent boredom – offer foot toys, wood or rope pieces for chewing, puzzle feeders etc.
Leave a radio or TV on for auditory enrichment when you are not home. If possible, house very social species like cockatiels, budgies and lovebirds in pairs so they can keep each other company.
Vet Care and Grooming
Schedule well visits with an avian veterinarian annually (more often for senior or unwell birds) for checkups, nail trimming and wing clipping if needed. Inform the vet promptly about any changes in droppings, behavior, appetite or feathers indicating illness.
Groom feather dust and sheaths regularly with a soft brush and give gentle mist baths weekly for healthy plumage. Disinfect and change cage lining frequently to prevent infection. With attentive daily care and TLC, pet birds can live 10-20 years or longer.
Conclusion
In summary, while California does prohibit ownership of many native bird species, there are still numerous legal pet bird options available. With proper research, permits, housing and care, bird enthusiasts can responsibly keep certain domesticated or non-native species.
Always be sure to check all applicable state, county and city ordinances first. With preparation and commitment, you can have a wonderful avian companion in the Golden State.
