Is It Illegal to Have an Eagle Feather? What the Law Says

Yes, in most cases it’s illegal to keep an eagle feather, even one you simply found on the ground. Here’s what the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act say, who can legally have eagle feathers, and what to do if you find one.

The short answer

For most people, yes. Under federal law it’s illegal to possess a bald or golden eagle feather without a permit, even if you just found it on the ground and even if no eagle was harmed.

That surprises a lot of kind, well-meaning people. You’re out on a trail, a big beautiful feather is sitting right there, and it feels like a gift. But the law doesn’t make an exception for “I found it.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service puts it plainly for salvaged feathers and remains: possession for personal use is prohibited.

The good news is that doing the right thing is easy. Admire it, take a photo, and leave it where it is. The rest of this guide explains why, what the two main laws say, and how eagle feathers reach the people who are allowed to have them.

What the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act says

The main law is the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, 16 U.S.C. 668–668d. Section 668(a) makes it a crime, without a permit, to knowingly or with wanton disregard:

• take, possess, sell, purchase or barter,
• offer to sell, purchase or barter,
• transport, export or import

any bald or golden eagle, alive or dead, or any part, nest or egg. Feathers count as parts. Audubon’s species page lists feathers, feet, nests and eggs among the protected parts in its summary of the Act (National Audubon Society).

Penalties written into the statute

The statute also treats each violation as a separate offense. Other federal laws and later rules can affect how cases are actually charged, so treat the table as what the text of Section 668 says, not a prediction of any case.

The old-item exception

Section 668(a) doesn’t apply to possessing or transporting a bald eagle, or its parts, nest or egg, that was lawfully taken before June 8, 1940. Golden eagle items get a similar exception tied to when golden eagles were added to the law. Proving an item’s age can be hard, which is one more reason not to buy or sell anything that looks like eagle parts.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act covers more than eagles

Eagles are also protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703). USFWS notes that both laws prohibit killing, selling or otherwise harming eagles, their nests or eggs (USFWS species profile).

Here’s the part people miss: the MBTA isn’t only about eagles. USFWS says it protects more than 1,100 bird species, and acquiring, possessing and using their feathers and parts requires authorization (USFWS notice on feather possession). So that pretty hawk, owl or blue jay feather is usually off-limits too.

For non-eagle feathers and remains, USFWS points people to two non-eagle feather repositories, Liberty Wildlife and Sia, the Comanche Nation Native American Feather Repository, or to a salvage permit through its ePermits system (USFWS, Living Around Birds).

Found an eagle feather? Here’s what to do

This is the part we hope you remember next time you’re out walking.

1. Leave it where it is. Don’t pocket it, even “just to show someone.” Picking it up and taking it home is possession.
2. Take a photo instead. A photo is yours to keep and share. Just don’t post a location that would point people to an active nest.
3. If you find a dead eagle, don’t touch it. Note where it is and anything you can see from a distance.
4. If it looks human-caused, report it right away. USFWS asks you to call its law enforcement line at 1-844-397-8477 if you suspect shooting, poisoning, electrocution, intentional killing or removed parts. You can also send a tip online through the USFWS Report a Crime page.
5. Otherwise, contact USFWS or your state wildlife agency and ask how they want it handled. USFWS says eagle remains and feathers go to the National Eagle Repository unless the agency authorizes something else.

Found a live eagle that seems hurt? That’s a different situation. Our guide on what to do if you find an injured bald eagle covers who to call and what not to do.

The National Eagle Repository and tribal use

Eagle feathers carry deep religious and cultural meaning for many Native American tribes. Federal law makes room for that, but in a tightly managed way.

The National Eagle Repository is run by the USFWS Office of Law Enforcement in Commerce City, Colorado. It receives the remains of bald and golden eagles that have died and distributes remains, parts and feathers for religious and cultural use. According to USFWS:

• Only enrolled members of federally recognized Native American tribes who are 18 or older are eligible to receive eagle items from the Repository.
• First-time applicants use Form 3-200-15a, and their tribal enrollment office certifies enrollment.
• Approved applicants receive a lifetime permit, and reorders don’t need a new enrollment certification.

USFWS has also described a 2012 Attorney General’s memorandum that lets enrolled members of federally recognized tribes possess bird feathers and parts without fear of federal prosecution, and acquire naturally molted or fallen feathers from the wild (USFWS notice). That policy applies to enrolled tribal members, not to the general public.

So when you leave a feather in place or report a dead eagle, you’re not just following a rule. You’re helping a system that gets eagle feathers to the people who use them in ceremony.

Museums, schools and other permits

The Eagle Act allows eagle use for scientific, exhibition and religious purposes under permits. USFWS says institutions and organizations may hold eagle specimens for scientific or exhibition purposes only under a regulatory authorization or a valid permit (National Eagle Repository).

That’s how nature centers and museums can show eagle specimens legally. It isn’t a path for a private collector, a craft project or a souvenir shop. If you see something online advertised as a “real eagle feather” for sale, it’s worth being skeptical, and you can report suspected wildlife trafficking through the USFWS tips page.

What about a feather from a bird you can’t identify?

Because the MBTA covers so many species, the safest habit is the same for any wild bird feather: enjoy it, photograph it, leave it. If you have a real need to keep one, such as teaching, ask USFWS about the right permit first.

Enjoy eagles the legal (and cozy) way

We get it. Eagles are magnificent and you want a piece of that. Here are a few ways to get close without breaking any laws:

• Watch a live nest. Our eagle cam directory lets you see feathers up close every day, preening and all.
• See them in person this winter. Our guide to where to see bald eagles in winter covers refuges, open-water hotspots and good viewing manners.
• Learn to tell them apart. Both bald and golden eagles are protected by the same Act. Our bald eagle vs golden eagle guide helps you know which one you’re looking at.