Bandit Software

*** Important Notice: Please only download if directed to do so by BBL Staff, please use the new Bander Portal when possible! You can no longer submit data directly through Bandit. While Bandit software is still available for data management, submitting data via Bandit is no longer possible. The FTP which allowed you to directly upload data from Bandit to the North American Bird Banding Program is no longer operational - even if it appears to still be working. Bandit submission tab files must be emailed to bandit@usgs.gov. Or you can start uploading and submitting your data through the Bander Portal. ***

Bandit was the latest in a series of desktop applications aimed at helping bird banders manage and submit their data for banded birds of its time. Bandit was created by the Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD. 

The principal use of Bandit was to store data obtained during banding operations and facilitate the transfer of banding data to the BBL and the Canadian Bird Banding Office (BBO). Bandit allowed the user to enter or import data, and edit data associated with bands obtained from the BBL/BBO as well as data for recaptured or resighted birds, including those banded by other banders.

** Mac users – Bandit no longer works on Macs **

Bandit is a 32-bit desktop application built on FileMaker 11, and is no longer compatible with the latest macOS. Bandit 4.0 may be used on a Mac with an operating system earlier than 10.12, or switched to a PC. Before upgrading to Bandit 4.0, please submit all records to BBL at bandit@usgs.gov. Save a final separate backup file (.fp7 or .BND) to preserve all data, locations and settings.

Download Bandit (Please only download if directed to do so by BBL Staff, please use the new Bander Portal when possible!) 

Bandit 4.0 Software PC For Windows 10. File size 34 mb.

Bandit User Manual

Bandit FAQ

Bandit Release Notes

To load data and settings into a new empty installation of Bandit, transfer a backup file to the computer with the new installation. Use this backupfile in a Restore from Backup operation within Bandit. For details, refer to the Bandit User Manual, or contact the Help Desk for assistance.

Before working on data in a restored or updated Bandit, please be sure to change previously submitted records from M (Modified) to S (Submitted). For details, see the Bandit FAQ.

Data entry using a template for import into Bandit 4.0

If you would like to enter your data into Excel and then import them into Bandit 4.0, you can contact bandithelp@usgs.gov. There is one template for entering banding data only and another for entering banding and recapture data. These templates are designed especially for up to 1000 auxiliary-marked birds.

Bandit 4.0 Excel Data Entry Template Downloads 

Contact bandithelp@usgs.gov for the Bandit excel data entry template downloads. Please note, Bander Portal excel data entry templates can be downloaded from the Bander Portal. 

For additional assistance, please contact the Bandit Help Desk at bandithelp@usgs.gov.