Banned & Regulated Species Checker
Is this bird legal where I live? Check possession bans, permit requirements, and CITES classifications by US state or country.
Banned & Regulated Species Checker
Pick a species and a jurisdiction to see possession status, permit needs, and CITES classification at a glance.
Banned — illegal to possess
Quaker (Monk) Parrot in California
Quaker (Monk) parrots are banned outright in this state due to their established feral colonies and agricultural risk. Possession can result in confiscation and fines. A handful of additional states (CT, ME, NY, OH, VA) permit them only with a permit, surgical pinioning, or close-banding requirement — rules change, verify with your state Department of Natural Resources.
Where to verify (US)
Your state's Department of Natural Resources (or Department of Agriculture in some states) for state-level rules. The US Fish and Wildlife Service for federal rules and CITES paperwork.
Where to verify (international)
Your country's CITES Management Authority for international movement. Domestic regulators handle in-country possession — DEFRA in the UK, Environment and Climate Change Canada, your state environment dept in Australia.
Always verify with your state Department of Natural Resources or USFWS — laws change. This is informational only, not legal advice. Penalties for getting it wrong can include confiscation, fines, and federal prosecution.
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Three layers of bird law you need to know
Federal — Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Native US migratory birds (songbirds, raptors, waterfowl) are protected at the federal level. You cannot keep, sell, or transport them — or even their feathers — without a USFWS permit. This is the most commonly tripped-over law for backyard breeders who find an injured songbird and want to help.
State — possession and import. Each state regulates which non-native species you can possess and what paperwork is required to import them. Quaker parrots are the most famous example, but state rules also cover invasive species like mute swans, captive-bred raptors, and game birds. Hawaii is the outlier — nearly everything requires a permit there.
International — CITES. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species governs cross-border movement of listed species. Appendix I (African greys, hyacinth macaws, several others) is heavily restricted. Appendix II (most other pet parrots) requires export permits. CITES paperwork is per-bird, follows the bird forever, and is checked at every border — keep your records.
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