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Antonio Celis-Murillo, Ph.D.

Antonio Celis-Murillo serves as Chief of the U.S. Geological Survey Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) — one of the nation's longest-running wildlife monitoring programs, supporting over a century of migratory bird research and management across North America. Under his leadership, the BBL ensures the scientific integrity, coordination, and delivery of critical bird banding data.

With expertise in bird ecology, population monitoring, and science policy, Antonio leads a team that curates over 100 years of banding records, processes thousands of federal permits, and manages the integration of banding data with cutting-edge tracking technologies. These data contribute directly to regulatory frameworks such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Endangered Species Act, and 50 CFR 21.70, and support setting annual migratory game bird regulations in close partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Flyway Councils, and state agencies.

Antonio’s leadership emphasizes scientific transparency, operational modernization, and collaborative partnerships, ensuring the BBL remains a cornerstone for applied avian science, harvest management, and long-term conservation strategies across the continent. 

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