What is the Migratory Bird Treaty Act?

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) is a federal law that provides protection for migratory birds in the United States. It was first enacted in 1918 in response to the alarming decline of bird populations that had come under pressure from hunting and habitat loss. The law makes it illegal for people to hunt, capture, or possess migratory birds unless they have obtained a special permit. It also makes it illegal to destroy or sell birds’ nests or eggs. The MBTA is administered and enforced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which works to protect migratory birds in Virginia as well as the rest of the country. In Virginia, the Service works with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to monitor and enforce the law. They also work with local citizen groups, conservation organizations, and other state agencies to promote habitat preservation and protection. In addition to providing protection for birds, the MBTA also serves to benefit other species, such as amphibians and reptiles, as well as plants. The law also helps communities by ensuring a healthy environment that can support a variety of wildlife. Though the MBTA is a federal law, there are also state laws in place to protect birds in Virginia. For example, it is illegal to intentionally kill migratory birds in Virginia. Additionally, the Virginia General Assembly has enacted a hunting season for certain species of game birds. In this way, the state and federal governments work together to ensure the protection of migratory birds in Virginia.

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What is the Migratory Bird Treaty Act?

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