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Follow that link and take a moment to familiarize yourself with the law. It is a short referrance as it focuses on illegal acts and their punishments as opposed to the types of birds that are or aren't protected. It would stand to reason as a matter of common sense that introduced and invasive birds aren't protect while native migratory birds are. Unfortunately it just isn't that simple.
One thing that is important to remember is that wether a bird is protected or not under the treaty, if your state classifies it as a game animal it has become protected by your state. Some oddities do exist, as the dove is considered to be a migratory bird in many cases yet it is the most hunted animal in the world demonstrating that it is not protected by the treaty.
These three birds are known fair game:
Rock Pigeon
House Sparrow
Starling
In many states all blackbirds are available to be trapped if you can prove that they are causing a problem (i.e. getting into your hen house). Crows are a game animal in some states and a huntable non-game species in others while in others still they are completely protected. Texas has a state-wide promotion almost begging people to trap their cowbirds and destroy them and all you have to do is sign up for their program.
Another thing that is important to remember is not to charge if you're helping out a neighbor. You may take donations, but thanks to most of the state governments and these wonderfully worthless pest control companies we nuisance wildlife control operators are no longer authorized to run our business unless we have a pesticide applicator's license. What this means is you either have to work an apprenticeship under a licensed applicator or you have to have the appropriate experience level. Then you must apply to take the test, then take the test, then get the license, then renew the license. Every step of the way you have to pay a fee. If you trap sparrows for someone and charge them for it you have just broken the law. Just remember, you can't charge but you can take donations. Either way, I suppose if you are charging your neighbor to get rid of invasive birds shame on you.
The point I am trying to make here is that the responsibility ultimately lies on you to discover your laws. I would actually say it would be a bad thing to have a nuisance wildlife "bible" if you will, simply because nobody will read it all and the laws might change from season to season. The only way to truly know the law is to research it within your state first hand.
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Below are links for each state's (minus Hawaii and Alaska) fish and wildlife department. It is imperitive that we always abide by state and federal laws. Some states have additional restrictions on trapping around homes and discharging firearms even though the English Sparrow isn't protected. The hassle of inadvertantly breaking a law isn't necessary, and it reflects badly on those who are fighting this fight.
Please take some time to review the laws for your state or any state you might be operating in. If you can't find the information you require in these sites, simply send an email to the respective department that you are requiring the information from. If you speak to them in person or on the phone, they will simply tell you no if they don't know the answer. If you correspond through emails they will have time to research the issue as well as provide you with with tangible proof of their response. If you simply can't get the answers you're looking for let me know and I will give you a hand.
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