Keeping Wild Birds as Pets

 way, you can be assured that the bird will be taken care of and that you are handling the situation legally. There are a few instances

 where you might be legally permitted to keep an orphaned baby bird that you find, but that would only be if it were a European Starling, a Pigeon, or a Sparrow, the three species that are not protected by law in the United States.

What About the Sport of Falconry?

In general, attempting to keep any bird of prey is highly illegal and a bad idea—birds of prey are notoriously hard to care for. However, the sport of Falconry is one that many individuals engage in and enjoy. The Falcons used in the sport are bred in captivity and go through rigorous training. To become involved in Falconry, you must

 have an extreme interest in the sport and a commitment to doing the best you can to care for your birds.

While anyone can become a Falconer, it isn't an easy process. You must first find a seasoned and established Falconer that will sponsor you and help you get your first taste of the sport. From there, you

 must secure several permits to be able to keep a bird, and these are on both the Federal and State level in the United States. It is a big investment, a long process, and one that not many people can see through to the end. However, if you are interested in learning more about Falconry, you should start by contacting the North American Falconers Association.