Bird Banding Laboratory
The Bird Banding Laboratory (Est. 1920), an integrated scientific program, supports the collection, curation, archiving, and dissemination of data from banded and marked birds. These data allow for developing effective bird science, management, and conservation. The lab, in collaboration with the Canadian Wildlife Service Bird Banding Office, administer the North American Bird Banding Program.
Federal Permits
Following the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and its associated Federal regulations (16 U.S.C. 703-712), a Federal Bird Banding and Marking Permit is required to conduct all bird banding and/or marking activities.
Bander Portal
If you already have a federal permit or sub-permit to band birds, sign in to the new Bander Portal.
Report Band
Reporting a bird with a federal band or auxillary marker
- Report a band at www.reportband.gov
- Obtain your Certificate of Appreciation
- About federal bands
- About auxiliary markers
Waterfowl banding in conservation and management
One very important application of banding data is the annual calculation of waterfowl harvest rates. The North American Bird Banding Program receives over 60,000 band encounter reports from hunters each year, data essential for detecting changes in waterfowl populations and for the development of appropriate hunting regulations. Banding data from bird banders and encounter data from hunters help to improve scientific understanding of waterfowl populations and inform their management. With sustainable harvest of migratory game birds and healthy bird populations, the waterfowl hunting tradition can be enjoyed by many generations to come.