>> |
Anonymous
You can't legally own a crow or any other native birds in the US. They are covered under the Migratory Bird Act. This was primarily implimented to protect native wildlife from being exploited. For ease, when the Act was drafted, they used a blanket term to cover all species of bird. This is why it seems stupid not to be able to own one, despite how numerous they are.
In many states you can legally own exotic crows and ravens. Most exotic Corvids in US aviculture are African species. They are not easy to come by and will be quite an investment ($1500-$2500). (goggle: corvid ranch)
You can keep one, just don't tell the authorities. If you go thru the process of obtaining a permit, you will not get one unless it's for 1) educational purposes (public outreach, research) 2) a non-releasable bird as a wildlife rehabilitator. They will confinscate your bird and/or fine you. Just gotta be careful who you show the bird to. I've got a 3yr crow, even moved across states with no problems. USDA and USFW are the two agencies you have to be wary of.
If you're looking for more info, search for "exotic softbill" lists. Good luck.
|