Can you tell me how the Eurasian Tree Sparrow is protected by Illinois law? I understand it is protected through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. How, specifically, is this species protected by the DNR? Thanks for your time.

In Illinois, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) is protected by both the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and by the Illinois Wildlife Code. This species is listed on page 20 of the Wildlife Code as a Resident and Migratory Non-game bird. The Wildlife Code states that " It shall be unlawful for any person at any time to take, possess, sell, or offer for sale, any of these wild birds (dead or alive) and parts of wild birds (including their nests and eggs)".