Which birds can legally be shot in Pennsylvania to expel them?

The choice indicating that blackbirds, crows, and grackles can legally be shot in Pennsylvania reflects the specific regulations surrounding nuisance wildlife. In Pennsylvania, certain bird species are classified as "protected" under federal and state laws, primarily concerning migratory birds that are often established within the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. However, blackbirds, crows, and grackles are considered non-protected species in this context.

This means that they do not fall under the same level of legal protection as other birds, such as songbirds or migratory birds, allowing for appropriate control measures when these species become nuisances. When their populations grow excessively or they cause damage to property, crops, or other ecological issues, landowners and wildlife control operators are permitted to manage their numbers to alleviate these conflicts.

In contrast, the other options reference groups of birds that are either covered under protective regulations or lack the specific legal allowances for removal as nuisance species. Understanding these classifications and legal provisions is essential for effective wildlife management and responsible interaction with the various bird populations in Pennsylvania.