The USGS Bird Banding Lab's new banding station set up in 2023, complete with a pavilion and shed.
How do I obtain a federal bird banding permit?
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.
Related
How can I get bird banding and encounter data, and longevity records, from the Bird Banding Laboratory?
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...
What functions are available in the Bander Portal for bird banders?
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...
I have a federal permit to band birds. How do I order bands?
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.
How do I submit bird banding and/or bird recapture data?
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.
How do I renew or modify my existing federal bird banding permit?
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.
Who can band birds?
Because banding birds requires capturing the birds and handling them before the banding takes place, the banding of birds in the United States is controlled under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and requires a federal banding permit. Some states require a state permit as well. Only official federal bands can be legally placed on birds that are released to the wild within the United States. Banders...
What are the ethics and responsibilities of Bird Banders?
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...
Does banding hurt birds?
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.
How do I get a certificate of appreciation after reporting a banded bird?
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...
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...
BBL's Banding Station
The USGS Bird Banding Lab's new banding station set up in 2023, complete with a pavilion and shed.
Federal Band Number on a Northern Saw-whet Owl
The federal band numbers on a recaptured Northern Saw-whet Owl at the Willistown Conservation Trust, Banding station at Rushton Woods Preserve, Pennsylvania. This owl was originally banded in Thunder Bay Ontario.
The federal band numbers on a recaptured Northern Saw-whet Owl at the Willistown Conservation Trust, Banding station at Rushton Woods Preserve, Pennsylvania. This owl was originally banded in Thunder Bay Ontario.
Banding Red Knots at Gray's Harbor
A team of biologists sits in a circle to weigh and measure captured Red Knots. Photo credit: Zak Pohlenm, USFWS
A team of biologists sits in a circle to weigh and measure captured Red Knots. Photo credit: Zak Pohlenm, USFWS
EESC Bird Banding Lab_Team Photo_Sep 15 2021_Tom OConnell Credit
EESC Bird Banding Lab Team Photo Sep 15 2021_Tom O'Connell Credit. This photos show the team of banders at the bird banding station during fall migration at Patuxent Research Refuge
EESC Bird Banding Lab Team Photo Sep 15 2021_Tom O'Connell Credit. This photos show the team of banders at the bird banding station during fall migration at Patuxent Research Refuge
Banding a red-throated loon
Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) student Austin Bergerson attaching a coded metal band to the leg of red-throated loon (Gavia stellata).
Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) student Austin Bergerson attaching a coded metal band to the leg of red-throated loon (Gavia stellata).
Iiwi banded at Hakalau 1
Adult Iiwi being banded at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Hawaii
Adult Iiwi being banded at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Hawaii
USGS scientist banding a Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
USGS scientist Rachel Richardson banding a Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula in Alaska.
USGS scientist Rachel Richardson banding a Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula in Alaska.
PubTalk 10/2011 — Migratory Connectivity in a Changing Climate
by Susan Haig, Wildlife Ecologist
PubTalk 3/2011 — Unraveling the Mystery of Avian Navigation
New research indicates that birds are listening to the landscape to find their way
By Jon Hagstrum, Research Geophysicist
New research indicates that birds are listening to the landscape to find their way
By Jon Hagstrum, Research Geophysicist
Black-footed Albatross Banding
Jon Plissner (USFWS Biologist) bands a Black-footed Albatross on Midway Atoll, Northwest Hawaiian Islands.
Jon Plissner (USFWS Biologist) bands a Black-footed Albatross on Midway Atoll, Northwest Hawaiian Islands.
Bird-banding Kit
The kit contains over 600 pieces and was used at the Bird Banding Laboratory at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Maryland.
Object ID: USGS-000219
The kit contains over 600 pieces and was used at the Bird Banding Laboratory at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Maryland.
Object ID: USGS-000219
Related
How can I get bird banding and encounter data, and longevity records, from the Bird Banding Laboratory?
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...
What functions are available in the Bander Portal for bird banders?
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...
I have a federal permit to band birds. How do I order bands?
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.
How do I submit bird banding and/or bird recapture data?
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.
How do I renew or modify my existing federal bird banding permit?
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.
Who can band birds?
Because banding birds requires capturing the birds and handling them before the banding takes place, the banding of birds in the United States is controlled under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and requires a federal banding permit. Some states require a state permit as well. Only official federal bands can be legally placed on birds that are released to the wild within the United States. Banders...
What are the ethics and responsibilities of Bird Banders?
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...
Does banding hurt birds?
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.
How do I get a certificate of appreciation after reporting a banded bird?
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...
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...
BBL's Banding Station
The USGS Bird Banding Lab's new banding station set up in 2023, complete with a pavilion and shed.
The USGS Bird Banding Lab's new banding station set up in 2023, complete with a pavilion and shed.
Federal Band Number on a Northern Saw-whet Owl
The federal band numbers on a recaptured Northern Saw-whet Owl at the Willistown Conservation Trust, Banding station at Rushton Woods Preserve, Pennsylvania. This owl was originally banded in Thunder Bay Ontario.
The federal band numbers on a recaptured Northern Saw-whet Owl at the Willistown Conservation Trust, Banding station at Rushton Woods Preserve, Pennsylvania. This owl was originally banded in Thunder Bay Ontario.
Banding Red Knots at Gray's Harbor
A team of biologists sits in a circle to weigh and measure captured Red Knots. Photo credit: Zak Pohlenm, USFWS
A team of biologists sits in a circle to weigh and measure captured Red Knots. Photo credit: Zak Pohlenm, USFWS
EESC Bird Banding Lab_Team Photo_Sep 15 2021_Tom OConnell Credit
EESC Bird Banding Lab Team Photo Sep 15 2021_Tom O'Connell Credit. This photos show the team of banders at the bird banding station during fall migration at Patuxent Research Refuge
EESC Bird Banding Lab Team Photo Sep 15 2021_Tom O'Connell Credit. This photos show the team of banders at the bird banding station during fall migration at Patuxent Research Refuge
Banding a red-throated loon
Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) student Austin Bergerson attaching a coded metal band to the leg of red-throated loon (Gavia stellata).
Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) student Austin Bergerson attaching a coded metal band to the leg of red-throated loon (Gavia stellata).
Iiwi banded at Hakalau 1
Adult Iiwi being banded at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Hawaii
Adult Iiwi being banded at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Hawaii
USGS scientist banding a Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
USGS scientist Rachel Richardson banding a Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula in Alaska.
USGS scientist Rachel Richardson banding a Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula in Alaska.
PubTalk 10/2011 — Migratory Connectivity in a Changing Climate
by Susan Haig, Wildlife Ecologist
PubTalk 3/2011 — Unraveling the Mystery of Avian Navigation
New research indicates that birds are listening to the landscape to find their way
By Jon Hagstrum, Research Geophysicist
New research indicates that birds are listening to the landscape to find their way
By Jon Hagstrum, Research Geophysicist
Black-footed Albatross Banding
Jon Plissner (USFWS Biologist) bands a Black-footed Albatross on Midway Atoll, Northwest Hawaiian Islands.
Jon Plissner (USFWS Biologist) bands a Black-footed Albatross on Midway Atoll, Northwest Hawaiian Islands.
Bird-banding Kit
The kit contains over 600 pieces and was used at the Bird Banding Laboratory at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Maryland.
Object ID: USGS-000219
The kit contains over 600 pieces and was used at the Bird Banding Laboratory at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Maryland.
Object ID: USGS-000219
Updated Date: March 13, 2025