Are Macaws Legal To Own in The USA? Do You Need a Permit?

Last Updated on August 29, 2022

Macaws are exceptionally beautiful and charming birds. This is why they are one of the most commonly kept pets all over the world. But some macaws are near extinction, so they are illegal to keep in some countries. If you are interested in keeping macaws, you might want to know whether it is legal to own a macaw? And do you need a permit?

Almost all macaw breeds except a few are legal to own in all states of America. Some of these species can be kept with special permission from the government, whereas others are strictly illegal to keep. The critically endangered and native species are usually illegal to keep.

This article explains which states allow keeping macaws with or without a license. Let’s first discuss all the reasons for which macaws can be restricted to keep.

Why Some Macaws Are Not legal to Own Without Permit? 

In some countries, macaws are protected and restricted to own for certain reasons. The legality of macaws depends upon:

1. Native to Region

Some states of America do not allow keeping native species. Whereas the same breeds are legal to keep in other states as they are non-native & exotic in other regions. You might be wondering why one state of America allows keeping a species, and the other does not allow it.

The wildlife protection regulations vary from state to state. Each state has imposed its own regulation, which may not be applicable to other states.

2. Endangered to Extinction

There are several kinds of macaws; some macaws species are critically endangered. Since they are already limited in numbers, their conservation is essential. Accordingly, some conservation programs are working to grow their population and save these breeds from extinction.

In such cases, legal permission in a license is necessary for those who want to get them. 

3. Purpose of buying

Most of these breeds are close to extinction because of hunting and deforestation. Since some macaws sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars, they are caught for illegal trading.

3. Noise & Disturbance

Although macaws become wonderful pets, they can be noisy sometimes. Their noise might be normal for pet owners, but macaw’s noise can be disturbing for those who do not fancy parrots. In some states, macaws are not allowed to be kept as pets simply because they create a disturbance.

Wildlife Regulations of United States of America

Being illegal to keep means either they are not allowed to be kept at all or they can be kept with proper permission. As already mentioned, the regulations vary from state to state. Let’s discuss the regulations of different states of America.

Are macaws legal in California? 

Macaws are legal to keep in California, but you must get a permit.

Are macaws legal in Pennsylvania? 

Macaws become aggressive during the breeding season and tend to bite terribly under stress and anxiety. To ensure they don’t create any disturbance, Pennsylvania has introduced some rules for the ownership of macaws. 

Are macaws legal in Florida? 

The poachers in South Florida trap the macaws. Most of the poachers target blue and gold macaws. They also steal their eggs or chicks for illegal trade. Sadly, this have severely affected the population of native macaw species in the region.

Apart from this, It is legal to own exotic macaw species. You can even trap and keep wild macaws, the regulation are easy. However, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issues a permit for legal use, placement, and possession of bird traps. Without legal permission, one can not have a bird trap.

Are macaws legal in Massachusetts? 

Owning a macaw in Massachusetts is totally legal and does not require any kind of paper work. You can buy your favorite species from any pet store or genuine breeder and keep it.  

Are macaws legal in New york? 

After some paperwork, macaws are legal to own in New York state. You can buy macaws from a responsible breeder living in the same city, and you need to fill in an ownership document. But the macaw should not be illegally traded or have been caught from the wild.

It is legal to own a macaw in New York but keeping some specific species like hyacinth macaws is discouraged. According to the law of building pet policy of New York hyacinth macaws are noisy which creates disturbance for the neighbours.

So if you are looking to get a pet macaw in the New York, get a macaw that is legal to keep by the state authorities.

Conclusion

Most of the United States of America allow keeping macaws with permit. Even some states like Massachusetts do not require the permit. Meanwhile some states like New York allow keeping almost all macaws except specific breeds. If you are looking to buy a macaw and keep it, make sure it is being legally traded and your state allows keeping it.