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USGS science is used by other agencies to help conserve species, lands, resources, and priority ecosystems.
In 2007, walruses began coming onshore in large numbers on the Alaska coast of the Chukchi Sea, which allowed for more accurate population counts through the use of small aerial drones, satellite tags, and calculations based on walrus behavior. The number of walruses using the U.S. side of the Chukchi Sea in autumn was estimated to be 166,000 in 2018 and 189,000 in 2019. These numbers are...
Black Brant geese nest in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Europe, and Russia. Pacific Black Brant--found primarily in Alaska during summer--are a focal species of international attention because of their importance to subsistence and sport hunters and their wide geographic range. Since 1963, surveys have been conducted every fall at Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in...
Most bird bands are made of an aluminum alloy and have unique numbers engraved. These numbers can wear off with time to the point that one or more numbers become illegible. The time that it takes for a bird band number to wear off depends on the habits of that bird species and the amount of time that it spends in the water. For instance, a band on a Mallard might wear off one number in 6 to 8...
Banding and encounter data are available for research purposes. Individual banding data records exist electronically starting in 1960. Pre-1960 banding data are available only for birds that have been encountered. Individual encounter data are available from 1913. To make a data request go to the Banding and Encounter Data page. Longevity records shows recorder holders for each bird species and...
Use the Bander Portal to: Submit your banding and recapture data to the Bird Banding Laboratory View and download your banding and recapture data View your data submission history View and update your contact information List subpermittees, band inventory, and locations associated with your permit Order bands and confirm bands as received Request transferal of bands TO your permit or FROM your...
Bird banding and band recapture data from banding activities must be submitted to the Bird Banding Laboratory using the Bander Portal. You can find out more information on the Bander Portal by watching the lab's video tutorials.
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.
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 Information webpage of the Bird Banding Laboratory.
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 Laboratory.
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...
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.
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 completed. If you want an additional copy of your...
