Q17: Are all birds protected?

All birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The Act makes it illegal to to intentionally cause harm or suffering to any bird or to damage or destroy nests, eggs or chicks. Some species of bird are afforded extra protection under the Act, prohibiting any disturbance whatsoever.

For a comprehensive understanding of the laws protecting particular species of bird, you should contact the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). A link to the RSPB website is listed in related information.