Federal Permit

The Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) can provide authorization to sample feathers collected from migratory birds captured for the purpose of banding and/or marking. If migratory birds are captured for the sole purpose of obtaining feather samples, then a Migratory Bird Collecting Permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will be required.

Detailed information about the application process is found on the page with master banding permit application form and instructions. Please recognize that the new responsible individual must have sufficient banding experience to qualify for a master banding permit with the existing authorizations on the station permit.

The Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) can provide authorization to collect blood samples only from migratory birds captured for the purpose of banding and/or marking. If migratory birds are captured for the sole purpose of obtaining blood samples, then a Migratory Bird Scientific Collecting Permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will be required. Banders will not be considered for this...

A bander must obtain authorization from the Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) before they start banding rehabilitated birds.

The Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) will authorize the use auxiliary markers for projects that are well defined, set to be conducted, and have a start date within one year of the date the proposal is submitted. Note that a bander must have experience (or completed sufficient training) with the proposed auxiliary marking technique before the authorization will be granted.

Banders should plan ahead for the next season's field work. Requesting changes to an existing permit, such as adding or removing authorizations must be made in advance of banding activities. Please fill out the Additional Authorization Request Checklist and provide all the necessary information required for each type of authorization. Allow at least 8 weeks for the BBL to process your request...

Bird banders cannot legally band and/or mark any Federal Endangered or Threatened Species unless they have specific authorizations on their Federal Bird Banding and Marking Permit. Before the Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) can issue an endangered species authorization, the bander must obtain an Endangered Species Section 10 Recovery Permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Banders...