General Provisions; Revised List of Migratory Birds (Final Rule)
Jul. 31, 2023
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), revise the List of Birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) by both adding and removing species and changing names to conform to accepted use by the scientific community. Reasons for the changes to the list include adding species based on new taxonomy and new evidence of natural occurrence in the United States or U.S. territories, removing species no longer known to occur within the United States or U.S. territories, and changing names to reflect currently accepted taxonomy and nomenclature. The net increase of 13 species (16 added and 3 removed) brings the total number of species protected by the MBTA to 1,106. They also revise the scientific name of a species subject to specific migratory-bird-permit regulations and revise corresponding entries for several migratory bird species that are also listed on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act to reflect currently accepted taxonomy and nomenclature. This rule is effective 30 August 2023. POC is Eric Kershner, tele 703-358-2376 or Elizabeth Maclin, tele 703-358-2646. (Federal Register 31 July 2023 [Final Rules] Pages 49310-49355)