What I Learned from the Ornithological Council
During my own research on bird import, I discovered an import guide from the Ornithological Council. This guide, though intended for scientific research, provided invaluable insights—that not only helped me understand the process but also deepened my appreciation for their efforts in the scientific research and welfare of birds.
The Confusing Bird Logistics
When I was coordinating the international move with my bird, I spent a month full-time emailing and calling, while doing my own research on the side. There was no comprehensive online resource on how to bring a bird to the US as cargo. I found some scattered anecdotes here and there, but many were quite old and didn't touch on the more complicated aspects. Sometimes I thought I had come to a firm answer, and after more research, whatever answer I came to was contradicted by another source.
It was about 3 weeks deep in the process when I stumbled upon an import guide published by the Ornithological Council. At the time, I didn’t even know what "ornithological" meant. But I saw the phrases “bird import shipment”, “customs clearance”, “port inspection”, and I knew it might answer my questions.
An Unlikely Source of Insight
The 88-page guide was specifically for bringing bird “products” to the USA for scientific research and display. A “bird product” actually means a dead bird or parts of a bird... I was hoping by the time my bird reached the U.S., it would still be a live bird. Jokes aside, the guide covers the import methods, customs clearance options, declaration process, and the involvement of USFWS—it’s a very similar process that you'd follow for sending a live bird as cargo, which was my case.
Later, I found their other guide on the importation of live birds. It’s a one page guide with all the essentials you need to know. Unless you really want to dig into the import process, this guide should suffice. If you run into complexities like I did, I suggest also reading the aforementioned Guide To The Permits And Procedures For Importing Bird Products, because that one covers the foundation knowledge and keywords of the import process in general.
The Generous Spirit of Research and Education
I read the entire 88-page guide through and through. Although it was meant for bird products, it answered most of my questions about the mysterious “customs clearance” process and the role of a customs broker in bird shipments.
Whenever I asked a pet relocation company, the answer was often vague and rushed. The universal answer I got was that their four-figure full service covered everything, but of course not including airfare and other expenses(??). I understand their expertise is what they’re selling, but I would appreciate more transparency before committing to pay a four-figure sum.
The guide from the Ornithological Council was a lifesaver. It's a condensation of knowledge shared by the ornithologists. It struck me how selflessly this information was shared. Someone took the time to reach out to various government departments, get all the uncertainties answered, and compile it into a guide, complete with advice from their past experiences.
I still ended up hiring a pet relocation service because it was necessary. But understanding the process allowed me to make more informed decisions when vetting companies. Some of them couldn't even provide a price breakdown or clarify what exactly was included.
Ethics in Action
I'm not much of a book reader—at least, not a fiction reader in the traditional sense—but I love diving into any well-written, informative materials on just about any topic. I knew nothing about ornithology (the scientific study of birds) before. Like most people, I thought the council was mostly a group of scientists observing birds.
However, It was their well-written import guide that introduced me to their other resources. What started as a personal search turned into a deeper appreciation for their work in bird welfare, conservation, and education.
I learned that they actively translate their knowledge into action to protect the welfare of birds, ensuring that scientific research informs policy decisions in the best interest of wildlife and related studies. Their efforts span a wide range of areas, from supporting the development of ornithological science to advocating for responsible animal treatment in research.
What We Can Learn from the Scientists
Their literature, Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research, has detailed guidance on the humane handling of birds in captivity and during transportation. While it was written primarily for researchers, I believe it’s equally valuable for anyone involved in bird welfare, such as bird rescue volunteers.
Rescuing an injured bird or helpless nestlings can be challenging, especially for well-meaning volunteers unsure of what’s truly in the bird’s best interest. This guide, although written for scientific research, offers some of the most reliable knowledge on how to handle birds responsibly before they reach professional care.
It covers a wide range of specific scenarios—including how to maintain the right temperature when transporting nestlings, identifying vitamin deficiency or overdose, how light exposure impacts egg production and increases the likelihood of calcium depletion and egg binding, the special care of aquatic birds… It goes on and on. It's almost like a crash course in bird care 101.
Chapter 4: Transport of Wild Birds and Chapter 5: Captive Management offer valuable insights into proper bird-handling practices—even for those just looking to deepen their understanding of general bird care. As for Chapter 6: Minor Manipulative Procedures, I’d leave all that to the professionals. If your bird is in critical condition, following the guidelines in Chapter 5 can help preserve its health until you can get it to an avian vet.
Learning from the True Experts
I have the pleasure of working with an avian vet for general check-ups for my bird. He is the designated “bird vet” but also treats cats and dogs, managing the whole clinic during his shift. You can easily tell he is a bird-person—whenever we come in, he’d happily share all kinds of bird tips.
Due to the amount of information exchanged, I am only able to jot down about 70% of what he shares. He has mentioned a few things, like chronic egg laying, calcium supplements, bleeding from newly formed feathers, and how to stop the bleeding with starch. The point I want to make is that all of these topics are also covered in the guide I mentioned earlier.
Your Role: How You Can Help the Birds
I know many of us are passionate about supporting volunteer bird rescues and raising awareness of animal welfare. That’s why I think you might find the Ornithological Council worth following too. Organizations like this often work quietly behind the scenes, doing incredibly important work that doesn’t get the most attention. Whether it’s through making a donation, spreading the word, or simply reading and appreciating the materials shared by the dedicated ornithologists, we can support their mission and make a difference in bird welfare in many meaningful ways.
FAQ
Do I still need a pet relocation service if I read the guides?
In most complex cases, yes, especially if you are shipping your bird as cargo. While the guides provide critical knowledge, a professional pet relocation service is usually required to arrange the logistics, permits, and customs clearance. However, understanding the process can help you make informed decisions when vetting the services.
Where can I find the Ornithological Council’s guides?
Their resources are available on their official website: https://birdnet.org. You can also find the direct links to their guides inside our article.
How can I support the Ornithological Council?
The OC receives annual contributions from its member societies and its supporting members, and donations from ornithologists and others who support their mission.
If you would like to support them, you can consider:
- making a donation on their official website
- encouraging organizations that you are involved with to become a Supporting Member of the OC
- reading and sharing their resources to spread awareness about their work
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