87-5-201. Protection of wild birds and their nests and eggs. (1) It is unlawful for a person to hunt, capture, kill, possess, purchase, offer or expose for sale, ship, or transport any wild bird, other than a game bird, or any part of the plumage, skin, or body of the bird, irrespective of whether the bird was captured or killed within the state, or to take or destroy the nest or eggs of a wild bird, except under a certificate, falconer's license, or permit issued by the director.

(2) This section does not apply to:

(a) the hunting, trapping, or killing of house sparrows, crows, starlings, rock doves, blackbirds, magpies, and other birds the department designates or to the taking or destruction of their nests and eggs;

(b) the possession or transportation of parts or plumage of eagles used for religious purposes by a member of an Indian tribe when possessed or transported as permitted by 16 U.S.C. 668a.