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Public Comment Sought on Proposed Environmental Assessment on Distribution of Migratory Bird Feathers to Native Americans

• Federal Register Notice (52k pdf format)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is the Federal agency responsible for the management of migratory birds as they spend time in habitats of the United States. Many of these birds, however spend only part of their lives within the United States. Countries such as Canada and Mexico are also home to these birds during certain times of the year. The United States works closely with these countries to ensure quality wintering and summering habitats.

Over 800 species of birds have been identified within the United States. This number includes those birds which nest, spend the winter and migrate through the U.S., as well as those birds that have been introduced into the U.S. from other countries and birds that get lost and show up here accidentally.

Approximately 500 species occur in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service eight state region which includes:

   Illinois   Indiana  Iowa   Michigan  Missouri   Minnesota   Ohio   Wisconsin

Waterfowl, rails, woodcock, snipe, mourning doves and cranes are migratory game birds. All the others, with a few exceptions, are non-game birds. Turkey, quail, grouse and prairie chickens are non-migratory game birds and fall under the jurisdiction of the state governments. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works closely with state fish and game and natural resource departments to ensure the well-being of this region's birds.

Among the nearly 500 bird species that occur in this region, 84 are of special concern to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service because they are rare or declining, of recreational value, or causing conflicts with humans because of their expanding populations. A document listing these species may be viewed by clicking on the following link: Regional Resource Conservation Priorities List.

The goals of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's migratory bird management program are to maintain and enhance migratory bird populations and habitats, and to provide people with opportunities to learn about and enjoy these species.  The Service enforces the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (protecting bird populations from over exploitation), coordinates and conducts bird surveys, bands birds, supports research, sets hunting regulations, issues permits for the take of certain birds and protects and restores migratory bird habitats.

Migratory Birds are wide-ranging and use a diversity of habitats, therefore, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must collaborate with other agencies and organizations to manage these species.  Below are links to six cooperative initiatives you can learn more about.

U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan

Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership

North American Waterbird Conservation Plan

Partners in Flight

                       North American Bird Conservation Initiative