English or house sparrows (Passer domesticus), starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), rock dove or domestic pigion (Columba livia), and the muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) are unprotected exotic birds. They may be shot, live trapped, snared or captured by hand without any permit or license. Local ordinances may prohibit discharge of firearms and may protect all birds. The use of the avicide, Avitrol, for pigeon management, requires a Florida Avitrol Permit available from the Division of Wildlife, Florida Game & Fresh Water Fish Commission (F.G. & F.W.F.C.). Care must be taken to prevent accidently poisoning nontarget native birds. A permit is not required to use porcupine wire, tactile roost repellents, exclusion netting, and startle devices such as propane cannons, artificial snakes, models of hawks or owls, etc.
Blackbirds (Agelaius spp. and Euphagus spp.), grackles (Quiscalusspp.), cowbirds (Molothrus spp.), and crows (Corvus spp.)may be taken by a property owner without a permit when they are in the act of or about to damage ornamental trees, agricultural crops, wildlife, livestock, orare concentrated so as to be a threat to human health. The use of the avicide Avitrol, requires a Florida Avitrol Permit. These birds are protected when not causing damage. When crows are not causing damage, they may only be taken during the legal crow hunting seasons. A hunting license is required to hunt crows. If pest control operators or others are hired by the property owner to remove these species of nuisance birds, they must first acquire a Nuisance Animal Permit from Regional Offices of the F.G. & F. W. F. C.
All other species of birds are protected under Federal Law and International Treaty. When these migratory birds become a nuisance, permits from the F.G. & F.W.F.C. and United States Fish and Wildlife Service is required prior to taking or attempting to take these birds or their nests. Birds that fall in this category include the following examples; chimney swifts nesting inside chimneys, Carolina wrens nesting inside buildings, woodpeckers nesting and pecking, vultures roosting, flocks of gulls around garbage dumps, airports, warehouses,and parking lots. For advice or recommendations on dealing with nuisance migratory birds contact USDA Animal Damage Control Program Office in Tallahassee, Florida.