You cannot paint a sparrow with the intent of selling it as a parakeet.

The Law

This law was enacted to combat fraudulent pet traders who would trap common street birds, dye their feathers vibrant colors, and sell them at a massive markup as exotic tropical pets. Unsuspecting buyers would be furious when their 'parakeet' molted and turned back into a boring brown sparrow. It is a highly specific consumer protection law meant to stop aviary scammers.