Biological Science Technician surveying breeding birds on a grassland managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
What is the North American Breeding Bird Survey?
The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is a cooperative effort between the USGS and the Canadian Wildlife Service to monitor the status and trends of North American bird populations.
Following a rigorous protocol, BBS data are collected by thousands of dedicated participants along thousands of randomly established roadside routes throughout the continent. Professional BBS coordinators and data managers work closely with researchers and statisticians to compile and deliver these population data and population trend analyses on more than 400 bird species, for use by conservation managers, scientists, and the general public.
Related
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 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.
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...
Surveying breeding birds
Biological Science Technician surveying breeding birds on a grassland managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
PubTalk 11/2015 — Waterbirds in a Changing Landscape
Evaluating Avian Response to the West Coast's Largest Tidal Marsh Restoration Project
by Susan De La Cruz, USGS Research Wildlife Biologist
Evaluating Avian Response to the West Coast's Largest Tidal Marsh Restoration Project
by Susan De La Cruz, USGS Research Wildlife Biologist
Songbird surveys in McDonald Dunn forest
Joan Hagar and Amy Comstock assess the long-term ecological value and characteristics of snags created for wildlife
Joan Hagar and Amy Comstock assess the long-term ecological value and characteristics of snags created for wildlife
Skyler Vold conducts a bird survey on the Seward Peninsula
USGS biologist Skyler Vold conducts a bird survey on Alaska’s Seward Peninsula
USGS biologist Skyler Vold conducts a bird survey on Alaska’s Seward Peninsula
Biological Science Technician surveying breeding birds
Biological Science Technician surveying breeding birds on both idle and hayed portions of a CRP grassland in Sheridan County, Montana
Biological Science Technician surveying breeding birds on both idle and hayed portions of a CRP grassland in Sheridan County, Montana
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
Radar is for the Birds
Doppler radar can be used for more than predicting the weather—it can be used to record migrating birds!
Doppler radar can be used for more than predicting the weather—it can be used to record migrating birds!
Conducting a Breeding Bird Survey
Wildlife Biologist Bruce Hanson conducting a breeding bird survey.
Wildlife Biologist Bruce Hanson conducting a breeding bird survey.
Related
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 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.
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...
Surveying breeding birds
Biological Science Technician surveying breeding birds on a grassland managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Biological Science Technician surveying breeding birds on a grassland managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
PubTalk 11/2015 — Waterbirds in a Changing Landscape
Evaluating Avian Response to the West Coast's Largest Tidal Marsh Restoration Project
by Susan De La Cruz, USGS Research Wildlife Biologist
Evaluating Avian Response to the West Coast's Largest Tidal Marsh Restoration Project
by Susan De La Cruz, USGS Research Wildlife Biologist
Songbird surveys in McDonald Dunn forest
Joan Hagar and Amy Comstock assess the long-term ecological value and characteristics of snags created for wildlife
Joan Hagar and Amy Comstock assess the long-term ecological value and characteristics of snags created for wildlife
Skyler Vold conducts a bird survey on the Seward Peninsula
USGS biologist Skyler Vold conducts a bird survey on Alaska’s Seward Peninsula
USGS biologist Skyler Vold conducts a bird survey on Alaska’s Seward Peninsula
Biological Science Technician surveying breeding birds
Biological Science Technician surveying breeding birds on both idle and hayed portions of a CRP grassland in Sheridan County, Montana
Biological Science Technician surveying breeding birds on both idle and hayed portions of a CRP grassland in Sheridan County, Montana
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
Radar is for the Birds
Doppler radar can be used for more than predicting the weather—it can be used to record migrating birds!
Doppler radar can be used for more than predicting the weather—it can be used to record migrating birds!
Conducting a Breeding Bird Survey
Wildlife Biologist Bruce Hanson conducting a breeding bird survey.
Wildlife Biologist Bruce Hanson conducting a breeding bird survey.
Updated Date: March 21, 2025