The Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) can provide authorization for toenail clippings collected from migratory birds captured for the purpose of banding and/or marking. If migratory birds are captured for the sole purpose of obtaining toenail clipping, then a Migratory Bird Collecting Permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will be required.
To obtain a toenail clipping authorization on a Federal Bird Banding or Marking Permit for most species, the following information must be provided to the BBL:
- Master bander’s name, permit number and all sub-permits requiring this authorization.
- The species and/or species groups from which the toenail clippings will be obtained.
- The number of toenail clippings to be collected and where they will be obtained from the bird.
- Project proposal(s) to justify these activities.
Banders requesting an authorization to collect genetic samples via toenail clipping must provide sufficient detail for evaluation as part of their permit application or additional authorization request. Requests should include a precise description of the method (e.g., which toe will be clipped, maximum length removed, equipment used, and procedures to control bleeding and disinfection tools), as well as clear scientific justification explaining why this method is necessary and why alternative approaches (such as blood or feather sampling) are not appropriate. Applicants must also describe how animal welfare will be ensured, including steps to minimize stress and handling time, post-procedure monitoring, and criteria for discontinuing the procedure if needed. Providing complete and well-justified information will facilitate timely review of requests.
Please allow 2 months lead time to process your request.
Information can be emailed to bbl_permits@usgs.gov.
The Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) can provide authorization for toenail clippings collected from migratory birds captured for the purpose of banding and/or marking. If migratory birds are captured for the sole purpose of obtaining toenail clipping, then a Migratory Bird Collecting Permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will be required.
To obtain a toenail clipping authorization on a Federal Bird Banding or Marking Permit for most species, the following information must be provided to the BBL:
- Master bander’s name, permit number and all sub-permits requiring this authorization.
- The species and/or species groups from which the toenail clippings will be obtained.
- The number of toenail clippings to be collected and where they will be obtained from the bird.
- Project proposal(s) to justify these activities.
Banders requesting an authorization to collect genetic samples via toenail clipping must provide sufficient detail for evaluation as part of their permit application or additional authorization request. Requests should include a precise description of the method (e.g., which toe will be clipped, maximum length removed, equipment used, and procedures to control bleeding and disinfection tools), as well as clear scientific justification explaining why this method is necessary and why alternative approaches (such as blood or feather sampling) are not appropriate. Applicants must also describe how animal welfare will be ensured, including steps to minimize stress and handling time, post-procedure monitoring, and criteria for discontinuing the procedure if needed. Providing complete and well-justified information will facilitate timely review of requests.
Please allow 2 months lead time to process your request.
Information can be emailed to bbl_permits@usgs.gov.