Which Was the First Bird To Be Protected by Law?

Arguably the Sacred Ibis. The Ancient Egyptians worshipped many gods, including Thoth, who was often represented as an ibis. Ibises would appear at the time the River Nile rose, and were therefore seen as bringing good fortune, preserving the country from plagues and serpents.  Mummified remains of ibises have been found in tombs at Thebes and Memphis. Because of this association with the gods, it was considered a terrible crime to kill an ibis, punishable by death.