A New York State wildlife rehabilitation license is all that is required to rehabilitate migratory birds.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only with local permits
• D. Only if migratory birds are non-migratory

Answer: (B)

Migratory birds are protected by federal law, so handling and rehabilitating them isn’t covered by a state license alone. In New York, a wildlife rehabilitation license from the state is not enough to rehabilitate migratory birds—you must also have a federal permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to possess, care for, or rehabilitate migratory birds. Without that federal authorization, it’s not legal to rehabilitate these birds, even if you hold a valid state license. This combination of state and federal approvals is what allows rehabbers to work with migratory species.