Bird Banding Identification

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for tracking banded birds in the United States and Canada. The program is jointly run by the United States Department of the Interior and Canadian Wildlife Services. This group does not band the birds; their primary responsibility is to study the behavior of birds to ensure their survival and follow their movements. The joint coalition was formed in 1923 and administration of the program was transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1993.

  1. Banding

    • Each band has a unique number, which identifies the bird in the event of future captures, deaths, or injuries. The band includes the location of banding, the approximate age of the bird, and its gender. The information is sent to the Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL), located in Maryland, where the data is recorded and filed. The BBL is responsible for providing the bands and coordinating projects in the United States.

    Types and Colors

    • The types of bands include neck or collar band, nasal, dye, leg bands, radio transmitters, wing, and tail streamers. There are several protocols that are followed in the banding, such as a color code, shape, or size to distinguish between different projects. Bands come in 23 standard sizes and five special sizes (for extra small or extra large birds). Bird banding does not harm the bird and can be attached to either baby or adult birds. The colors on a bird's band are predetermined by the BBL.

    Identification

    • Bird bands obtained from the BBL are etched with the BBL's phone number (800-327-BAND) and address. The band includes a unique eight -or nine-digit number, which identifies the exact bird in BBL's database. The bands from the BBL are typically aluminum. In cases where the bird is in a harsh environment, hard metal bands will be used. The butt-end band is round with two edges that meet each other when the band is installed correctly. Rivet and lock-on bands are used on birds such as hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls because their beaks are strong enough to damage or remove the band. These bands are joined with a rivet or other lock to prevent its loss. When used on waterfowl, these bands are typically hard-colored plastic. All bands have etched letters.

    Permits

    • The BBL allows certain organizations to attach bands to the birds. Researchers may be given authorization to band birds under special research projects usually related to an endangered species. Usually additional, or auxiliary, markers are used as a means of identification. In 2001, the latest year statistics are available, over one million birds were banded, including ducks, geese, swans, doves, woodcocks, and nongame birds such as eagles, hawks, and owls. During that same time, 3,244 banded birds were recovered (found injured or dead).

    Future

    • As technology advances are discovered, bird banding also changes. The development of computer chips and implants will make it possible to track a bird continuously, therefore providing instant and valuable data to the BBL and others.

    Domestic Bird Banding

    • Domestic birds are banded to provide a means to track them in the event of their accidental escape. The band will include the following data: the issuing organization, breeder code, year and state of birth, and a number unique to the bird. Different societies, such as the Society of Parrot Breeders or American Cockatiel Society, keep records of the breeder. If the bird has a closed-band, it is considered a permanent ID and you should keep track of the number in case of theft or escape.