Which legislation is designed to protect migratory bird species in the United States?

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act is the legislation specifically designed to protect migratory bird species in the United States. Enacted in 1918, this act implements various treaties and conventions that the U.S. has entered into with other countries, focusing on the conservation of migratory birds. It prohibits the take, possession, transportation, and sale of migratory birds, their nests, and eggs unless allowed by a permit. This comprehensive protective measure serves to maintain the populations of migratory birds that are vulnerable to various threats, including habitat loss, hunting, and environmental changes.

Other legislation mentioned serves different purposes. For example, the Endangered Species Act is focused on the conservation of threatened and endangered species and their habitats, but it does not specifically target migratory bird species as a distinct category. The National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act aims to protect rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values, while the Clean Water Act regulates discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and establishes quality standards for surface waters but does not specifically address migratory birds. Thus, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act is uniquely positioned as the most pertinent legislation for the protection of migratory bird species.