Funny grackle

[LeilaNami]

So I walked into the vet office that I take my foster to. This is the first time I've been there. They have a grackle that once of the techs sister had handfed from a baby six or seven years ago. The lobby was quiet and I was just sitting with my dog when the phone started ringing. After it was answered and the tech walked away...the grackle started imitating the phone ring VERY loudly. It cracked me up because after he was done imitating the phone he started imitating the alarm He gets so into ringing, he puffs up his feathers and his eyes look like they're going to bug out of his head.

 

[Chilobrachys]

I love grackles, my wife has taken some great pictures of them. Here in Ohio they probably look a little different though. Are the ones there black with a green or blue tint around the head? Its cool to hear that they can be domesticated, although i wouldn't doubt it. They behave kindof like crows and my dad said he had one when he was a kid.

 

[UrbanJungles]

They can't be domesticated...the term you are looking for is "tamed".
They are wild animals and it is illegal to possess one as a pet.

Grackles are highly iridescent and generally reflect all sorts of colors around their heads and bodies (blue, red, green..).

 

[LeilaNami]

They can't be domesticated...the term you are looking for is "tamed".
They are wild animals and it is illegal to possess one as a pet.

Grackles are highly iridescent and generally reflect all sorts of colors around their heads and bodies (blue, red, green..).

Yes, they are illegal. I don't know if these guys have a wildlife rehabilitation permit or not but I thought it was cool how he mimics.

 

[ThomasH]

Yes, they are illegal.

Is this federal? Why?
TBH

 

[UrbanJungles]

Is this federal? Why?
TBH

The federal migratory bird act protects all native bird populations in the US with the exception of seasonal hunting of certain species (game birds, corvids, etc). Only non-native introduced species like European starlings and house sparrows aren't protected.

You are only allowed to possess these birds if you have a rehab. permit and only if they cannot be released back into the wild for one reason or another. It's illegal and unethical to keep a healthy native wild bird.

 

[ThomasH]

The federal migratory bird act protects all native bird populations in the US with the exception of seasonal hunting of certain species (game birds, corvids, etc). Only non-native introduced species like European starlings and house sparrows aren't protected.

You are only allowed to possess these birds if you have a rehab. permit and only if they cannot be released back into the wild for one reason or another. It's illegal and unethical to keep a healthy native wild bird.

Oh, thanks. I knew that Eagles and birds used in falcontry were protected but I didn't know that regular natives were. I know a guy that has a bunch of hawks, miscellaneous native predatory birds, and cares for a Golden Eagle that technically the public owns.
TBH

 

[RoachGirlRen]

Actually, even wildlife rehabilitation licenses do not guarentee that one can keep native wildlife legally. In many states, NY included, seperate licenses are required and the animals can only be kept if used for scientific purposes, exhibition, or propogation - and only with a certified letter from a veterinarian declaring the animal permenantly disabled. Additional USDA/Fish and Wildlife permits might also be required, particularly in the case of migratory or federally endangered species. So yeah, generally if you want to avoid a big boatload of legal trouble, avoid keeping native wildlife as pets. I know folks who have been fined over $300 per animal for keeping native wildlife over 24 hours because they were too stubborn to bring them to a rehabber.

Cool about the grackle's imitation though; they're fascinating and clever birds.

 

[MorbidPh8]

I have to double check the regs book, but in AZ you can hunt by falcon. Not sure if the falcon has to be CB or if you can catch it and train it... Thats the only thing I've seen about birds, other than hunting them in the F&G's manual. Each state is different on what you can have and can't have. I have a AZ hunting licence. So legally I can keep certain native reptiles. With a fishing license I could keep native aquatic reptiles and amphibians. About birds, like I said the only thing I've found is keeping falcons. Really didn't know that the US is so hardcore when it comes to native birds though.

 

[UrbanJungles]

You can hunt with falcons anywhere in the US as long as you have a falconer's permit (and the proper habitat for a falcon).

To get your permit, you must first become an apprentice for at least 3 years. In that time you must take a written exam first, then build your hawk/falcon's mew (cage) according to strict design and specifications. You also have to purchase all of your falconry gear (gauntlets, leather, etc) and get inspected by your state fish & wildlife agent before you acquire a bird. Once you get approval, construct your mew and buy all of your equipment you must seek out a sponsor (experienced falconer) and then capture your own bird (either a kestrel or red tail hawk) and train it accordingly.

Do this successfully for at least 3 years and you will then apply for your general falconer's permit under which you can finally hunt and keep your bird accordingly.

It can be done, but it's not easy. I've been a licensed falconer for almost 10 years.

 

[ThomasH]

own bird (either a kestrel or red tail hawk) and train it accordingly.

Aren't Red Shouldered Hawks an option for beginning falconers as well?
TBH

 

[UrbanJungles]

No, redtails or kestrels only for apprentices.
Other birds are reserved for more experienced falconers for various reasons.

 

[ThomasH]

No, redtails or kestrels only for apprentices.
Other birds are reserved for more experienced falconers for various reasons.

Oh, how does one go about keeping a golden eagle legally? Would they have to go about different measures than say a harris hawk? And don't you need a breeder's license to keep more than three falcons?
TBH

 

[ZergFront]

Lyre Birds

Ever look for lyre birds on Youtube? They're excellent imitators, too. I saw one doing a perfect impression of a chainsaw!!

 

[UrbanJungles]

Oh, how does one go about keeping a golden eagle legally? Would they have to go about different measures than say a harris hawk? And don't you need a breeder's license to keep more than three falcons?
TBH

One doesn't go about keeping birds of prey unless you are a rehabber or falconer...see entire thread.

 

[ThomasH]

No, it is actually different because of the Eagle act, I just don't know how different.
http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stus16usc668.htm
TBH

 

[ThomasH]

No, redtails or kestrels only for apprentices.
Other birds are reserved for more experienced falconers for various reasons.

Actually......... "What species of birds may be taken from the wild to use for falconry? The species you are allowed to take from the wild depend on your classification as a falconer. Apprentice falconers may take red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), red-shouldered hawks (Buteo lineatus),and American kestrels (Falco sparverius)."
Source - http://www.fws.gov/permits/mbpermits/factsheets/FalconryQandA.htm
I find it hard to believe that you are a real falconer. Either that or the system is idiot proof. I already know all the answers of the questions I am asking from a 20 minute talk with a local zoo keeper, I'm just testing you because I think you are about half clueless on the topic you are trying to educate us on.
TBH

 

[LeilaNami]

Ever look for lyre birds on Youtube? They're excellent imitators, too. I saw one doing a perfect impression of a chainsaw!!

No I haven't. I'll look it up. There was a myna bird at my old job that would say the funniest stuff. Whenever the police officer would walk in the aviary she would go "Hey officer!"