Problem bird species
These birds may be killed under a general licence
- Carrion crow
- Feral pigeon
- Greater black-backed gull
- Herring gull
- Hooded Crow
- Jackdaw
- Jay
- Lesser black-backed gull
- Magpie
The law on wild birds applies to all species, including some which
are regarded as pests. However, general licences have been issued by the
Scottish Executive which allow owners or occupiers of land, or people
with permission from them, to take action against certain species for
the purpose of preventing serious damage to commercial activities such
as agriculture and fisheries, and to prevent the spread of disease.
Provided that the conditions in the general licences are met, these
licences authorise the killing or taking of the following species and
the destruction of their nest or eggs. This does not mean that these
birds can be shot without meeting the requirements of the
licence. Further details are available on the full
list of general licences available in Scotland. In addition
individuals can apply for specific licences where other birds are a
problem.