Hi Jennifer,
Because cowbirds are native to the U.S., they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and in most instances it is unlawful to use lethal control without a permit, including the removal of their eggs from a nest. However, unpermitted control of cowbirds is occasionally permissible under special circumstances outlined in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We recommend contacting your local wildlife authorities if you have questions.
-Holly Faulkner, Project Assistant
Why aren’t you removing the cowbird egg so the phoebe’s can survive, their numbers are going down and it is legal to remove the egg.
Hi Jennifer,
Because cowbirds are native to the U.S., they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and in most instances it is unlawful to use lethal control without a permit, including the removal of their eggs from a nest. However, unpermitted control of cowbirds is occasionally permissible under special circumstances outlined in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We recommend contacting your local wildlife authorities if you have questions.
-Holly Faulkner, Project Assistant
It is NOT legal to remove Cowbird eggs! It is illegal and cruel. You MUST leave them be