New salvage authority – In late 2024, the USFWS added a new authorization at § 21.16 for any person to salvage migratory birds specimens (whole birds found dead, parts, feathers, inactive nests, and nonviable eggs). All specimens salvaged under the new authorization must be promptly disposed of by donation to a person or entity authorized to receive them, such as for purposes of education or science, or by complete destruction.

Under this new authorization, institution staff may opportunistically salvage migratory bird specimens, as long as they immediately turn those specimens over to the institution (and that institution is authorized to possess such specimens, either through a regulatory authorization or through a permit). Systematic salvage as part of a project for the purposes of expanding an institution’s collection does require a permit, however.

The new regulatory authorization does not cover salvage for scientific research. Permission to salvage for scientific research purposes can be authorized on your MBTA Scientific Collecting Permit. A banding permit for USGS authorizes the salvage of birds that are found dead or are accidentally killed during normal banding activities. If you are salvaging to expand your educational collection, this authorization can be added to an Education permit.

State permits for salvage may also be required.

Separate permits are available for salvaging birds associated with utility, tower, or other infrastructure (Utility permit).

Instructions for preparing a salvaged sample for donation to a museum can be found here, in Appendix A to the Guide to the Use of Birds in Research.