Last reviewed: 3 August 2026.

The Aviary Hub does not permit adverts for protected or illegally captured wildlife, illegally imported animals, prohibited invasive species, or any bird sold without required documentation. This page explains the main legal categories sellers and buyers should be aware of – it is a general starting point, not a substitute for checking the law yourself or with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

All Irish wild bird species are protected

Under the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended), every wild bird species in Ireland is a protected species – not just rare ones. Taking, injuring, selling, or advertising a genuinely wild-caught Irish bird without a specific licence from the NPWS is not permitted on this site, and is likely a criminal offence regardless. This does not affect captive-bred birds of species that are also found in the wild (e.g. captive-bred finches or waterfowl) – the restriction is about a bird’s origin (taken from the wild) and legal status, not simply which species it is.

CITES-listed species need real documentation

Many popular pet parrot species – including the African Grey Parrot, several Amazon parrot species, and some Macaw species – are listed under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), some at the most restrictive level (Appendix I). Trade in these species, even captive-bred individuals, generally requires valid CITES paperwork, and Irish breeders of CITES-listed birds are required to register their breeding stock with Ireland’s CITES Management Authority. If you’re buying or selling one of these species, real documentation should exist and be provided – a seller who can’t or won’t produce it is a serious red flag, not a minor detail.

Prohibited invasive species

Some non-native species are restricted or banned from keeping/sale in Ireland under EU and Irish invasive-species law, since they pose a risk to native wildlife if they escape or are released. If you’re unsure whether a species falls into this category, check with the NPWS before listing or buying.

What this means for adverts on The Aviary Hub

  • Genuinely wild-caught native Irish birds are not permitted, full stop.
  • CITES-listed species (African Grey, certain Amazons/Macaws, and others) must be genuinely captive-bred with real supporting documentation available.
  • Sellers must correctly identify the species being advertised – misleading species information is against our rules regardless of the species involved.
  • If you believe an advert involves a protected, illegally imported, or otherwise prohibited animal, please use the Report advert button, or contact us directly.

This page is a general orientation, not a complete legal reference – always check directly with the National Parks and Wildlife Service or a solicitor for a definitive answer on any specific animal. See also our DAFM Information and Animal Welfare Policy pages.