How to Register
If you keep a Schedule 4 bird, you must be registered as the keeper even though you may not be the owner. You must register the bird in your name and tell Animal Health the address at which it is kept. If you are not sure whether a species is listed on Schedule 4 you should check this list first.
There are several ways in which you may acquire a Schedule 4 bird:
- Acquiring a registered bird from another keeper
- Chicks bred in captivity
- Importing a bird from outside the UK
- Disabled Wild Birds
Acquiring a registered bird from another keeper
Usually the present keeper has a registration document for the bird in their name. You should check that the bird matches the description given on the document and complete the back of the registration document. This needs to be sent with the appropriate fee to the Bird Registration Team who will then send you a new registration document in your name.
If for some reason you do not have the Bird Registration document, you should complete an application form to transfer the registration of the bird to your name (DOE14103).
Chicks bred in captivity
Chicks bred in captivity need to be ringed and registered as soon as possible after hatching. Rings for bird bred in England or Scotland must be issued by this office and should be requested over the phone as soon as the last egg of the clutch has been laid. Otherwise you can complete a ring request form (FO3). An application to register any chicks hatched will be sent to you upon issue of the rings.
Chicks bred in Wales may alternatively be marked in accordance with the CITES marking requirements for birds and registered under that identification number.
Importing a Schedule 4 bird
You will need to complete an application form for the first registration of a Schedule 4 Bird imported into the UK ( DOE14085 (imported bird)). This will require details of the CITES import permit or a copy of an Article 10 certificate issued by another EU member state. Imported birds which are marked in accordance with the CITES marking requirements may be registered under that identification number, otherwise they will need to be ringed by a swiss ring issued by this office via inspector.
Disabled Wild Birds
If you acquire a wild bird that has been injured and is unfit for immediate release back to the wild you should contact the Bird Registration Section as soon as it comes into your care. If you decide to care for the bird yourself, a cable-tie or Swiss (Hess) ring and application form will be sent via one of Animal Health's Wildlife Inspectors who will witness the fitting of the cable-tie, or fit the Swiss ring, and make a report to us on the bird’s condition. The bird will then be registered in your keepership until it is fit for release.
Disabled wild birds may only be taken into captivity for the purpose of rehabilitation and eventual release, and every care must be taken to avoid injuries becoming permanent.
Turnaround times and Customer Charter
We have published a Customer Charter as part of the Government’s service initiative to raise standards of public service. We aim to process 90% of registration applications within 7 working days and the remainder within 15 working days. You should allow this amount of time for your application to be processed.
Copies of the Customer Charter can be obtained from the Enquiries Desk.
Release of Information
Information supplied in applications may be used for the purposes of monitoring compliance of EC Regulation 338/97 and supporting regulations, and in the investigation of possible offences.
The information may be passed to HM Revenue & Customs under the provisions of Article 14 of Regulation 338/97 and to the Police and the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) for the purposes of gathering and analysing intelligence on possible wildlife crimes.
Information (including personal data) may also be released on request to other enforcement authorities, under the Environmental Information Regulations, the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. It is a condition of making an application that you agree to the Department passing on information to these organisations.
Page last modified:13 March 2008
Page published: 13 March 2008