
Protected species: birds
Even the most common wild birds in Scotland are protected, and some species receive a higher level of protection.
Even the most common wild birds in Scotland are protected, and some species receive a higher level of protection.
More than 250 wild bird species are either resident in Britain or regularly visit our shores as part of their migration.
All wild birds in Great Britain are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This includes even common species like pigeons and blackbirds.
Further protection is given to some rarer species and to species vulnerable to disturbance and/or persecution. This is done through various schedules attached to the Act.
You can see our summary of offences in relation to wild birds below. For the definitive list of offences, you should consult the actual legislation.
Discover more about birds found in Scotland.
For any wild bird species, it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly:
For any wild bird species listed on Schedule 1, it’s an offence to disturb:
For any wild bird species listed on Schedule 1A, it’s an offence to intentionally or recklessly harass any bird.
For any wild bird species listed on Schedule A1, it’s an offence to intentionally or recklessly take, damage, destroy or interfere at any time with a nest habitually used by any bird.
It is also an offence to:
There are additional offences in relation to:
Exceptions to these offences include the shooting of certain Schedule 2 species outside the closed season.
Read the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Schedules 1, 1A, A1, 2, 3 and 4
Licensing allows named individuals to carry out actions that could otherwise constitute an offence. If you’re planning any activities that could affect wild birds or the places they use, you must make sure you stay within the law.
Find out about birds and licensing.
Learn more about licensing.
Protected species known to occur naturally in Scotland and their protection