Laws

• Songbird Protection Laws typically make it illegal to kill a songbird, or to interfere with the bird's nest or eggs. In some cases, destruction of songbird habitat is also criminalized. In an 1843 Pennsylvania songbird protection law, bluebirds, among other species, were listed for complete protection.
  
  

Fines

• Breaking a songbird protection law was typically punished with a monetary fine. The 1843 Pennsylvania law stipulates a fine of $2 for violations, which in modern currency is worth approximately $50.
  
  

Effects

• As a result of songbird protection laws in different locations, many endangered songbird populations have increased in size. In addition to following the laws, residents are encouraged to play an active part in songbird conservation through activities such as feeding the songbirds or providing them with nesting boxes.