Virginia, private property
Dead Bird Removal
Birds fall under both Virginia and federal rules. DWR's permit conditions leave federally protected migratory birds out of the carcass authority they give permit holders, and DWR separately tells homeowners what to do with a single dead songbird. This page is information first and promises no service.
Before you pay anyone. Count the birds. DWR says a single songbird that died from a collision or predation should not prompt a call to DWR, and that it be double-bagged and placed in the trash. DWR asks for reports of five or more dead vultures, waterfowl, shorebirds or seabirds in the same area within five days, and of ten or more dead wild birds of any other kind, and of sick or dead eagles, hawks, owls or turkeys that were not road-killed.
What this covers
- Information on a single dead songbird in a yard or on a patio
- Information on a dead bird beneath a window
- Whether a bird is a case for DWR before anyone touches it
Where the limit is
Live or injured birds. Eagles: the federal rule says to contact the National Eagle Repository or turn the bird in to a federal or state wildlife agency. Trapping, relocating or excluding birds. We have not confirmed that any paid service may take dead protected birds, so we cannot say this site routes them.
DWR's avian influenza page tells the public not to handle sick or dead wild birds. Where disposal on your own property is necessary, it says to wear rubber gloves and other protective equipment, then bury the bird or double-bag it into a covered, secured trash can.
No timing or service is promised for birds. If an operator can be reached for your address, that conversation settles what is possible.
How a call goes
- Say what kind of bird it is if you know, and how many there are.
- Say whether it flew into glass or was killed by a cat or another animal.
- Describe where it lies and whether it is on your own property.
- An operator covering the address can say whether they take on a bird job at all.
Questions about this animal
Can I throw a dead songbird in the trash?
DWR's safe-bird-feeding page says to pick up a songbird that died from a collision or predation with an inverted bag or a disposable glove, place it in a second bag, and put it in the trash, secured so children and pets cannot reach it. DWR says not to call it in.
Does DWR's permit cover dead migratory birds?
No. Condition I.I.7 of the Commercial Nuisance Animal Permit lets permit holders handle wildlife found dead on a homeowner's property but excludes federally protected migratory birds.
What does the federal rule say about a found-dead migratory bird?
Under 50 CFR 21.16, any person may salvage a migratory bird found dead if it is disposed of within seven calendar days, with no personal use or sale. A person who finds five or more dead birds must notify the USFWS Office of Law Enforcement before salvaging. The rule is not intended for people actively searching for dead birds, and it says other federal, state or tribal permits may be required.
Not sure this is the right page? Who removes a dead animal in Virginia works through the public and private split, and the locations page sets out what the larger counties and cities publish.