This code sets standards for the care and housing of a native bird that is incapable of fending for itself in its natural habitat. It refers to over 600 species of native birds that have been recorded in New South Wales but does not refer to birds of prey which are covered in the Code of Practice for Injured, Sick and Orphaned Birds of Prey.

Eleven species of native birds are listed as critically endangered, while 20 species and seven populations of native birds have been listed as endangered in New South Wales. There are a further 81 species listed as vulnerable in New South Wales (See Schedule 1 of the BC Act).

Eighteen species of native birds recorded in New South Wales are listed as critically endangered or endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) with a further 15 species listed as vulnerable (see EPBC Act list of threatened fauna).