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Injured wild birds and the law

Female hen harrier in flight, carrying nest material
Before taking and keeping an injured bird, check to see if it is listed in Schedule 4 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act

It is legal to take in and keep most injured wild birds for the purpose of looking after them and releasing them as soon as they are fit. 

Certain species, however, are required to be registered with DEFRA before they can legally be kept. These species are listed in Schedule 4 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. This list includes most of Britain's rare breeding species and all birds of prey, except owls, buzzards, kestrels and sparrowhawks. The full list can be found within our Wild birds and the law pages, linked from this page.

If you find an injured Schedule 4 bird you should immediately contact the RSPCA/SSPCA/USPCA or a vet for advice on the best course of action. 

For a full list of General Licences to keep Schedule 4 birds for rehabilitation, which can then be downloaded, please follow the links to the Defra, Scottish Executive and Welsh Assembly websites.

Last modified: 25 August 2006

Wild birds and the law

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Female kingfisher perched on branch