Can you own a kestrel in California?

Can you own a kestrel in California?

You must be at least 12 years of age or older to be issued an Apprentice Falconry License. As an Apprentice, you may possess one red-tailed hawk or an American kestrel. You must pass the examination before a license may be issued.

Can you own an American kestrel?

Migratory raptors native to the United States are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, so American kestrels are illegal to possess without a permit (such as a falconry permit) in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Can you own a bird of prey in California?

Most birds are also legal in California. The only illegal parrot is the invasive monk parakeet (or Quaker parrot). Corvids such as crows and magpies are illegal, as well as birds of prey (falcons, hawks, eagles) and vultures.

Is it legal to own a falcon in California?

Keep your checkbook handy. Falconry is not a sport you can do on a shoestring, but you don’t have to be independently wealthy either. The good news is that wild-caught hawks cannot be bought or sold (state and federal law).

Do kestrels eat sparrows?

Then I found that besides 22 species of mammals recorded as prey items, they will also predate upon skylarks, meadow pipits, great tits, collared doves, turtle dove, house sparrows, young song thrushes and blackbirds. He even observed woodpigeons being eaten, although he never actually witnessed kestrels killing them.

Are sparrowhawks and kestrels the same thing?

Generally speaking, the best way to tell the difference between Kestrels and Sparrowhawks is their plumage. Sparrowhawks have a plumage that overall appear more greyish, whereas Kestrels have a warmer looking plumage consisting mainly of buff and browns.

Do Kestrels eat sparrows?

What pets are illegal in California?

According to the California Code of Regulations (CCR) 671, pet ownership of the following animals is also illegal without a special permit: Raccoons, skunks, alligators, lemurs, zebras, certain venomous reptiles, prairie dogs, wolf hybrids (wolf-dogs), big cats such as bobcats, servals, and cheetahs.

Where do falconers get their birds?

Falconers can capture birds in the wild or buy them from breeders. Details about effective and humane traps can be found in books and guides or learned from experts.

What birds are illegal in California?

Here are 7 birds that are illegal to own in California:

  • Monk Parakeet.
  • California Condor.
  • American Peregrine Falcon.
  • Bald Eagle.
  • Golden Eagle.
  • Trumpeter Swan.
  • Brown Pelican.

How much does a falcon cost in California?

For example, you can expect to pay about $1,000 for a European falcon, but for genetically superior falcons that are often found in the Central Valley of California, you can pay an upwards of $100,000.