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Changes to bird of prey registration

Birds previously on Schedule 4 are indicated in Schedule 1.

Previously, all native and non-native day-flying birds of prey kept in captivity had to be ringed and registered with the DoE. The onus of proof was on the bird keeper to show that the bird was held legally. All legally held birds of prey could be traced through the DoE registration scheme using the ring number and registration details.

Kestrels, sparrowhawks and buzzards kept in captivity no longer need to be registered. It remains the responsibility of keepers to be able to show that birds are held legally. The DoE recommends that keepers continue to fit close rings and keep detailed records of captive breeding or the origin of birds in their possession. Non-registerable birds of prey offered for sale must be ringed with a legible DoE close ring or, if bred after 1 January 1995, a metal close ring inscribed with the year in which the bird was bred. The sale must be accompanied by evidence of captive breeding.

Statutory Instrument 1994 number 1151.

Birds included on Schedule 4

• Any bird, one of whose parents or other lineal ancestor was a bird of a kind specified in the above list.
• All birds of prey in the world with the exception of vultures and condors.