Biology and Ecosystems

What are the ethics and responsibilities of Bird Banders?

Bird banding has long been recognized as an important research tool that has substantially improved our understanding of many aspects of avian biology and provided critical information for the management and conservation of bird populations. It is normally safe when proper techniques and equipment are carefully employed by trained banders who apply their expertise and thoughtfulness towards the health and well- being of the birds they are handling.

The Bander's Code of Ethics applies to every aspect of bird banding. This code was developed by the North American Banding Council and summarizes the most important responsibilities of every bird bander. For a detailed list of rules and responsibilities, see the Bander’s code of ethics.

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Bandit Opening Screen

How do I submit bird banding and/or bird recapture data?

Bird banding and band recapture data from banding activities must be submitted to the Bird Banding Laboratory using Bandit, The Information Manager for Banding Operations . Bandit is desktop software (not a website) that must be downloaded to your computer. The software is available for both PCs and Macs.

Photo of Bird Bands in a Variety of Sizes and Types

I have a federal permit to band birds. How do I order bands?

If you already have a federal permit or sub permit to band birds, sign in to the Bander Portal to order bands and/or confirm bands as received.

Bird Banding Supplies

How do I renew or modify my existing federal bird banding permit?

To renew or make changes to existing bird banding permits, use the links below: ● Request a sub-permit ● Change in the responsible individual for a Master Station Banding Permit ● Permit inactivation ● Permit reactivation ● Renew your permit ● Request color and auxiliary marking permission Additional information is on the General Permit...

BBL Federal Permit

How do I obtain a federal bird banding permit?

A Federal Bird Banding and Marking Permit is required whenever someone wants to place a bird band or any type of marker on a wild bird that is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or on a federally-protected bird that will be released into the wild. To obtain a permit, visit the General Permit Information webpage of the Bird Banding...

Newly banded palila nestling

Does banding hurt birds?

No, banding does not hurt birds. When proper techniques and equipment are carefully employed, it’s a safe procedure for birds. Trained banders, who apply their expertise and thoughtfulness towards the health and well-being of the birds, follow strict procedures based on the Bander’s ethic code .

Canada Goose with Leg Band and Neck Collar

How do I get a certificate of appreciation after reporting a banded bird?

Certificates of appreciation are given to people who have found birds with leg bands or color markers and reported them to the Bird Banding Laboratory through their " Report a bird with a federal band or color marker " website. Certificates are automatically generated when you report a bird and can be downloaded immediately after your report is...

Image: Eskimo Volunteers Helping with Banding

I found (or killed) a bird with a band or color marker around its leg. What do I do?

Bird band information is an important tool that is used to monitor populations, set hunting regulations, restore endangered species, study effects of environmental contaminants, and address such issues as Avian Influenza, bird hazards at airports, and crop depredations. The North American Bird Banding Program is jointly administered by the U.S...

A color banded plover in the hand of a scientist.

Who can band birds?

Because banding birds requires capturing the birds and handling them before the banding takes place, the banding of birds in the United States is controlled under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and requires a federal banding permit. Some states require a state permit as well. Only official federal bands can be legally placed on birds that are...

Image: Costa's Hummingbird (Calypte costae)

How can I stop birds from repeatedly hitting my windows?

This is a common problem. The bird sees its reflection in the window and thinks another bird is encroaching on his territory. One solution is to put a silhouette of a hawk in the window. That scares them off. Birding and nature stores sell paper cutouts that you can tape to the window.

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Year Published: 2021

U.S. Geological Survey migratory bird science, 2020–21

Bird conservation as an endeavor engages a broad range of partners and a coordinated effort across State and Federal agencies, nongovernment organizations, universities and, at times, international partnerships. To understand information needs and respond to the many challenges in bird conservation, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists...

Pearse, Aaron T.; Sherfy, Mark H.; Wimer, Mark; Khalil, Mona; Wiltermuth, Mark

Attribution: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian

View Citation

Pearse, A.T., Sherfy, M.H., Wimer, M., Khalil, M., and Wiltermuth, M.T., 2021, U.S. Geological Survey migratory bird science, 2020–21: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1480, 131 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1480.

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Year Published: 2013

The U.S. Geological Survey Bird Banding Laboratory: an integrated scientific program supporting research and conservation of North American birds

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) was established in 1920 after ratification of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act with the United Kingdom in 1918. During World War II, the BBL was moved from Washington, D.C., to what is now the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC). The BBL issues permits and bands to permittees...

Smith, Gregory J.

Attribution: Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Bird Banding Laboratory

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The U.S. Geological Survey Bird Banding Laboratory: an integrated scientific program supporting research and conservation of North American birds; 2013; OFR; 2013-1238; Smith, Gregory J.

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A male Blue-winged Teal in flight

Date published: July 7, 2020

USGS Celebrates 100 Years of Bird Banding Lab

Birds bring joy merely by their presence, from their bold colors and majestic songs to their grace as they glide through the sky. Birds contribute more than beauty to the environment and society. Many plants depend on hummingbirds and other species to pollinate them. Hawks and owls prey on rodents and other pests. Fruit- and grain-eating birds help spread plants’ seeds.

Attribution: Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center

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Bird being banded with a USGS federal band at BBL fall migration monitoring station

August 30, 2018

Banding a bird

Bird being banded with a USGS federal band at BBL fall migration monitoring station

Attribution: Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Bird Banding Laboratory

Unique ID bands for waterfowl

June 2, 2018

ID Bands for Suisun Waterfowl

USGS scientists attach small metal bands, each with its own ID, to the ankles of adult waterfowl to identify where the animal was caught. When it is re-captured later in its migration, researchers can use that information to determine how far the animal traveled.

Attribution: Western Ecological Research Center

Man measuring a little red bird.

August 31, 2017

Iiwi banding 2

Measuring the wing length of a banded Iiwi

Attribution: Ecosystems, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center

A little red bird being handled by scientist

August 31, 2015

Iiwi banded at Hakalau 1

Adult Iiwi being banded at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Hawaii

Attribution: Ecosystems, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center

tagging long-billed curlew

May 1, 2015

Biologists banding long-billed curlew in Boardman, OR

USGS biologist places identification bands on the leg of a long-billed curlew as part of a study to estimate long-billed curlew abundance and density using unmanned aerial vehicles to conduct surveys at the Naval Weapons Systems Training Facility (NWSTF) in Boardman, OR.

Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

October 27, 2011

PubTalk 10/2011 — Migratory Connectivity in a Changing Climate

by Susan Haig, Wildlife Ecologist

Scientists are studying global migratory animal movements throughout their annual cycles to improve conservation efforts
Changing climate conditions have accentuated this need, as species movements and their ranges are fluctuating every year
Technology being used to study the

Bird Banding Supplies

Bird Banding Supplies

Bird Banding Supplies

Attribution: Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Bird Banding Laboratory

Banding a Least Common Tern Chick

Prosser - PoplarTernBanding

Banding a Duck

Banding a Duck

Attribution: Ecosystems, Status and Trends Program, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Bird Banding Laboratory

Banding Hen Eider

Banding Hen Eider

Banding Hen Eider

Attribution: Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Bird Banding Laboratory

Bird Bands

Bird Bands

Attribution: Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Bird Banding Laboratory

Placing a federal band in a Northern Parula

Banding a Northern Parula

Placing a federal band in a Northern Parula

Attribution: Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Bird Banding Laboratory