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Exotic bird record keeping scheme

The Australian Government has introduced a record keeping scheme to help bird keepers keep adequate records. The scheme was developed through extensive consultation with the exotic bird keeping sector. The Exotic Birdkeepers Advisory Group (EBAG) played a major role in the consultation process and in advising the Department.

The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts encourages bird keepers to:

• make a list of all the exotic birds they have
• divide the list into class 1, 2 or 3 species
• compile all the documentation they have for each bird
• individually identify high-interest (class 1) birds
• keep records for transactions involving class 1 or 2 birds and
• send records for high-interest birds to the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

A brief overview of the scheme is provided below.

Classification of exotic birds

All exotic birds in Australia have been classified as either 'High Interest' or 'Low Interest' based on their pest and disease risk and the potential for illegal trade in the species.

To find out whether your birds are High Interest or Low Interest read the:

• 2007 Inventory of Exotic (non-native) Bird Species known to be in Australia

How do you keep records?

To keep records under the Australian Government scheme you should:

• Use the Movement Transaction Record forms to record when you sell, loan or give birds as gifts
• Use the Activity Record forms to document events such as births and deaths and help you keep track of the specimens you hold

Copies of record forms for high interest birds should be returned to the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

• Activity records begin on 1 July each year and finish on 30 June the following year.  Records should be sent to the Department by 31 July each year.
• Movement transaction records should be returned within 30 days of the transaction. 

The Department has prepared a guide to record keeping for exotic birds which provides details of how to keep records of your birds and return forms to the Department.

Where can you get record keeping forms?

The forms for High Interest birds and Low Interest birds are different. You cannot use record forms for low interest birds to record movements and activities involving High Interest birds.

High interest forms are only available in hard copy (book form) and can only be sent to you through the post. To order high interest forms you can either email your address details to exoticbirds@environment.gov.au or call 1800 720 466.

Low interest forms can be downloaded directly:

• Low Interest Bird Movement Transaction Record Form (PDF - 64 KB)
• Low Interest Bird Activity Record Form (PDF - 64 KB)

Marking and individual identification of exotic birds for record keeping purposes

Bird keepers should individually mark and identify all of their high interest birds. Permanent individual identification of exotic birds will:

• allow exotic bird keepers to keep accurate records of the birds they hold and breed
• help prove the source of exotic birds under Australian Government legislation (the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999)
• help prove ownership of a bird should it be stolen or escape
• help to reduce illegal trade in exotic birds

The method used to mark and identify each individual bird is a personal choice for each exotic bird keeper. Each exotic bird keeper should use a system that best suits the species they hold and their individual circumstances. These could include bands, microchips, DNA samples or other methods. For further information about marking your birds read the Marking and individual identification of exotic birds for record keeping purposes.

Request a free information package

The information pack will include:

• A guide to record keeping for exotic birds in Australia
• Marking and individual identification of exotic birds for record keeping purposes - this guide will provide assistance in deciding an appropriate method to mark and identify your high interest birds.
• Compliance guide for exotic birds in Australia - this guide will provide information on how the new record keeping scheme will help bird keepers and the Department fight the illegal bird trade.