Non-Eagle Feather Repositories

The following information is for all Federally (Bureau of Indian Affairs) enrolled Native Americans who want to obtain feathers, parts, or carcasses of non-eagle/migratory birds (i.e. hawks, falcons) for religious and cultural purposes.

For centuries, Native Americans have used various natural resources and wildlife for subsistence, as well as for cultural and religious purposes. Feathers remain one of the most sought after items by tribal cultural and religious practitioners. To assist in the legal acquisition of federally regulated migratory bird feathers, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service established the National Eagle Repository in Denver, Colorado. This repository serves as a legal source of eagles and eagle feathers for qualified, federally enrolled tribal members for use in religious ceremonies. At one time, this repository also distributed other protected and regulated migratory birds, like hawks and falcons. However distribution of these non-eagle species was discontinued in the late 1990s. Since then, the Service has looked for ways to help meet tribal needs for non-eagle feathers. 

To maintain and improve upon our trust relations with the Native American community, the Southwest Region of the Service has now established a non-eagle feather repository program with both tribal and non-tribal partners: Sia: the Comanche Nation Ethno-Ornithological Initiative based in Cyril, Oklahoma, and Liberty Wildlife in Phoenix, Arizona. Both partners have signed individual Memorandums of Agreement (MOA) and have been permitted by the Service to salvage, receive, and distribute regulated migratory bird feathers, deceased birds and parts from Service permitted zoos, falconers, rehabilitators, etc., to federally enrolled tribal members across the country. The permit and MOA do not allow for the take of any protected migratory birds, and the majority of feathers are obtained through naturally molted feathers.

Requesting non-eagle feathers:

How do I request non-eagle feathers or parts?      

You can obtain a request form from either of the two repositories participating in the program, or by contacting the Southwest Region Migratory Bird Permits Office, or Native American Liaison. 

Is there a difference between the repositories?

Yes. Sia Essential Species Repository is operated directly by Native Americans of the Comanche Nation. They also manage the Sia Eagle Aviary and Raptor Program. The other, Liberty Wildlife Non-Eagle Feather Repository, is a non-tribal wildlife rehabilitation and conservation education center that regularly consults on tribal issues with a Native American advisory committee on tribal issues. The two repositories operate independently of each other and, as such, have different applications, methods of processing requests and timeframes for distribution. Please contact them directly to learn more.

Where do the repositories get their feathers?

The repositories can use naturally shed, or ‘molted’ feathers gathered under their own permits, such as Liberty’s rehabilitation permit and Sia’s live possession of raptors permit. They can also use the feathers from birds that die of natural causes that they possess under these permits. Feathers, parts and whole birds are also donated from other Service permitted entities.

Do I need a permit to obtain feathers?

The Service will not be issuing federal permits for possession of non-eagle feathers and parts. However, the recipient of these items will receive a Letter of Authorization that allows for their legal possession. Proof of enrollment in a federally recognized (BIA) tribe is required for the Letter of Authorization and the possession of migratory bird feathers and parts.

Can I apply to both repositories?

Not at the same time. You can choose which repository you wish to obtain feathers from, and they will contact you regarding your order request. If you have a pending request with one repository and decide you would like to send it to the other repository instead, you may withdraw your original request at any time, and for any reason. You may NOT have two requests submitted for processing simultaneously.

Can I get eagle feathers from the repositories?

You cannot receive eagle feathers from the non-eagle repositories. However, the Sia Essential Species Repository currently holds an Indian Religious Use permit that authorizes them to distribute eagle feathers from their facility for religious purposes. You may contact them for more information. You may also contact the Service’s National Eagle Repository to request eagle feathers, parts or whole birds.

Donating and sending items: 

How do the repositories get their non-eagle feathers? 

Each repository is authorized to acquire feathers, parts and/or carcasses of migratory birds – other than eagles – from any USFWS permitee specifically allowed to donate these items. Certain zoological, scientific, and educational institutions that are lawfully exempt from permit requirements may also provide these items.

Can I send feathers or dead birds that I find, even though I do not have a permit?

No. A salvage permit is required to pick up, possess and transport any federally-protected migratory bird feathers, parts and/or carcass.    

Why is it illegal to salvage a bird without a permit? 

Unfortunately, birds are often killed by illegal activities such as shooting, poisoning, or lethal hazing. Even deaths that result from unintentional causes like disease, collisions or electrocutions may require the proper authorities to be involved. If the bird is moved, it is difficult to survey the scene and accurately assess what might have happened. Permits became necessary when poaching and market hunting put many migratory bird populations at risk. To ensure that birds have not been taken illegally, no person may possess or transport a salvaged bird without the proper permit.

What does “permit-exempt” mean?

Veterinarians and certain institutions are not required to have a USFWS permit to possess migratory birds. The Code of Federal Regulations allows accredited institutional members of the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AAZPA) and some public scientific or educational institutions exemption from the permit requirement, provided that state regulations are met. Contact your Regional Migratory Bird Permits Office for further information.

What if my business or institution is permit-exempt? 

If you are an entity that has been determined to be exempt from the permit requirement, per 50 CFR 21.12(b), please request a copy of a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from your Regional Migratory Bird Permits Office. Include this with the shipment and the other required information. Repositories cannot accept shipments without a USFWS permit number or copy of the LOA as proof that items are legal to accept for distribution. 

What should I do if I want to report a dead bird?

You may contact the USFWS, your State Fish and Game office, or a repository to report the bird’s location. These entities can salvage the bird or attempt to locate another salvage permit holder that may be in a nearby location.

What bird species do the repositories accept? 

The repositories operate as a collection point for feathers, parts and carcasses that have religious and cultural significance to Native Americans. Because there are so many Native American nations and tribes in the United States, virtually any species could be of cultural value and requested as an integral part of a traditional ceremony. It is up the individual repository to accept items according to anticipated demand and storage space. 

How can a permittee donate birds and feathers?   

The conditions on your permit will show the authorized methods of disposal or donation. If you are unsure about what your permit covers in regard to disposal or donation, contact your Regional Migratory Bird Permits Office to be sure you are allowed to donate.

How should the items be packed for shipment? 

Separate containers should be used for loose feathers, birds parts (such as talons), and from whole bird carcasses. Clearly mark the bags/containers to appropriately identify contents.  

How should the bags/containers be marked?

Write the permit number and species of bird on each separate container. If you are not sure of the species, do not guess—indicate that it is “species unknown.” If you know the location where the item was found (city/county/state), please include that information as well.

What information is needed for each shipment?

The repository will need the name of the business or institution, principal officer’s name, address, telephone number, and fax and email, if applicable. Provide your permit number authorizing the disposition of feathers and/or parts of migratory birds. Include the type of permit, and the expiration date of the permit.

Are mailing boxes or postage provided?

No. Contact either repository for suggestions on combining shipments or other methods to minimize costs. Each repository is their own non-profit organization, however they may be able to assist with shipping/handling costs.