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 our registrable species (101KB) information first.
Hybrids are not required to be registered.
There are several ways in which you may acquire a Schedule 4 bird:
- Acquiring a Schedule 4 bird from another keeper
- Chicks bred in captivity
- Importing a bird from outside the UK
- Disabled Wild Birds
Acquiring a Schedule 4 bird from another keeper
Usually the present keeper has a blue 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 Wildlife Licensing and Registration Service 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 (PDF 268KB) to transfer the registration of the bird to your name.
Registration of Peregrines and Merlins is slightly different to other Schedule 4 listed birds. Peregrines and Merlins are considered to be registered if they have a valid Article 10 certificate, issued by the UK CITES Management Authority (The Wildlife Licensing and Registration Service – WLRS). If you acquire a Peregrine or Merlin from another keeper and it does not have a valid Article 10 certificate issued by the UK Management Authority, you must apply to WLRS immediately for either a new Article 10 certificate, or a blue registration document.
Chicks bred in captivity
You will need to register your birds as soon as they are ringed or microchipped, using this application form. We no longer supply rings to keepers, so you will need to obtain and fit your own. More information about ringing requirements can be found here. A list of ring suppliers can be found in our useful links page.
If you breed Peregrines or Merlins, you may choose to apply for Article 10 certificates for them, as soon as they have been ringed, instead of a blue registration document.
Importing a Schedule 4 bird
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 - initial registration (PDF 268KB)). 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.
If you import a Peregrine or a Merlin into the UK, you can register it by applying for a blue registration document in this way, or alternatively, you may register it by immediately applying to the UK CITES Management Authority (WLRS) for a new Article 10 certificate.
Disabled Wild Birds
If you acquire a wild Schedule 4 bird that has been injured or may be unfit for immediate release back to the wild you should contact the Wildlife Licensing and Registration Service as soon as it comes into your care. If you decide to care for the bird yourself, we will send you the relevant form for you to register the bird into your keepership until it is fit for release. The rehabilitation of the bird will be monitored and an inspector may visit.
Wild or injured 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.
Wild birds must be taken to an avian Vet for examination and the avian Wildlife Initial Veterinary Examination Certificate (Wild disabled Schedule 4 Bird Casualty) must be completed and returned to WLRS. Should the bird require further treatment by the vet then the Avian Wildlife Final Veterinary Examination Certificate (Wild disabled Schedule 4 Bird Casualty) must be completed and returned to WLRS.
