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Migratory Bird Treaty Act

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has recently published a request for public comments regarding a proposal to list 152 species of birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). The American Federation of Aviculture has issued a Position Statement opposing the listing of two species of finch, the Eurasian Siskin (Carduelis spinus) and the Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs). The Position Statement is based on the following biological and scientific data:
 

  • These species are not native to the United States.

  • These species are not migratory within the United States.

  • These species are commonly kept and bred in captivity.

  • Sightings of these species within the United States are considered rare and accidental.

  • Listing of these species under the MBTA would constitute financial hardship to bird breeders, exhibitors at bird shows and commercial avian businesses.

AFA would like all organizations, aviculturists, avian business entities and bird show exhibitors that work with these species to please contact the U.S. Fish & Wildlife and express their comments. Their contact information is as follows:

By Fax at (703) 358-2272, or by e-mail to mbtabirdlist@fws.gov

In addition, hard copies should be mailed to:

Chief
Division of Migratory Bird Management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
4401 North Fairfax Drive
Mail Stop 4107
Arlington, VA 22203.

Attention: Mr. John Trapp

Re: Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Federal Register August 24, 2006
50 CFR Part 10
RIN 1018-AB72
General Provisions; Revised List of Migratory Birds
Eurasian Siskin (Carduelis spinus)
Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)


AFA asks that anyone submitting comments also send a signed copy of their correspondence to AFA’s Legislative Vice President at:

Sandee L. Molenda
Post Office Box 2547
Santa Cruz, CA 95063-2547
831-689-9534 (FAX)

AFA will be submitting these comments, along with scientific and biological data in report format to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Please note that time is of the essence in this matter as AFA requested and received a brief 15-day extension of time in which to respond.

If anyone has any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact the AFA Legislative Vice President, Sandee L. Molenda, at 831-688-5560, 831-689-9534 (FAX) or e-mail at sandee@parrotletranch.com