Sneak a Peek: Protected Species

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Did you know that one of the oldest wildlife preservation laws in the United States was formed to protect birds? The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 sets strict hunting and trapping regulations for all native migratory bird species in the US. The law also protects their nests, eggs, and feathers.

Why did this law need to be enacted? At the turn of the twentieth century, many birds were hunted almost to extinction for sport, food, or their beautiful feathers.

One of the migratory birds hunted for their feathers was the snowy egret. Their delicate white feathers adorned hats, fans, and other types of fashion. At one point, these feathers were valued at twice the price of gold.

Now the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service monitors the status of native migratory bird species and maintains a list of which birds are allowed to be hunted by permit such as some species of ducks, geese, and doves.

The Cook Museum is also required to abide by the Migratory Bird Act. Educational permits allow the Museum to display migratory bird taxidermy and use them in Education Classes. Without these permits, many of the cool taxidermy birds you find in the Museum would be missing. Each year, Museum staff send reports to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to maintain these permits so visitors can continue to enjoy the taxidermy birds in the Collection.