I found (or killed) a bird with a band or color marker around its leg. What do I do?
Bird band information is an important tool that is used to monitor populations, set hunting regulations, restore endangered species, study effects of environmental contaminants, and address such issues as Avian Influenza, bird hazards at airports, and crop depredations.
The North American Bird Banding Program is jointly administered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Canadian Wildlife Service. Their respective banding offices use the same bands, reporting forms, and data formats. You can report bird bands to either agency.
To report a bird band to the USGS, please contact the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory by following the instructions on the mobile-friendly USGS Bird Band Reporting website.
If the bird is already dead, you can remove and keep the band after reporting it.
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The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) was established in 1920 after ratification of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act with the United Kingdom in 1918. During World War II, the BBL was moved from Washington, D.C., to what is now the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC). The BBL issues permits and bands to permittees...
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Measuring the wing length of a banded Iiwi
CAGO with Leg Band and Neck Collar
Canada Goose with Leg Band and Neck Collar
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Banded whooping crane and mate observed during fall migration.
Banded whooping crane and mate observed during fall migration in central Kansas.
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Canada Goose Banding
As part of an annual statewide waterfowl banding effort, Iowa State Coop student Brad Heller holds a Canada Goose still while Iowa DNR wildlife biologist attaches a leg band to the bird, outside of Clear Lake. The project is aimed at providing information on population parameters, such as survival and harvest rates.
Dan Ruthrauff holding a banded Bar-tailed Godwit
Dan Ruthrauff holding a banded Bar-tailed Godwit near Egigik, Alaska
A color banded plover in the hand of a scientist.
A color banded plover in the hand of a scientist.
Eskimo Volunteers Helping with Banding
Two Yupik Eskimo students from Chevak, Alaska holding a tundra swan cygnet. These student volunteers were helping with an annual USGS waterfowl banding program along the Kashunuk River near the Bering Sea coast in western Alaska.