The migratory bird species protected by the Act are listed in 50 CFR 10.13. View the list of MBTA protected birds . Migratory bird permit policy is developed by the Division of Migratory Bird Management and the permits themselves are issued by the Regional Bird Permit Offices .
Some states require a state permit as well.
Only official federal bands may be legally placed on birds that are released to the wild within the United States. Bird banding permits, supplies of bird bands, and bird banding data are administered by the Bird Banding Laboratory . You may want to read over the general application instructions in addition to specific instructions that accompany each form. The information collected through permit applications is used to determine whether or not the individual qualifies for the type of migratory bird-related permit for which he or she has applied. You may obtain an application online from the table above, or by contacting the relevant Regional Bird Permit Office .