Federal Bands
Federal Bands
Federal bands are small uniquely numbered metal bands attached to the leg of a bird to enable individual identification. Bands provided by the Lab have the inscription www.reportband.gov followed by a unique 8 or 9 digit number.
Filter Total Items: 3
Etching Worn Bands
Most bands are made of an aluminum alloy and have unique numbers engraved. These numbers can wear off with time to the point that one number, a few numbers, or the whole band becomes illegible. The time for a bird band to wear off depends on the amount of time that bird species spends in the water and its habits. For instance, a band on a Mallard may wear off one number in 6 to 8 years, while a...
Identifying Unusual Bands
Most of the bands found on birds other than federal bands and auxiliary markers should not be reported to the Bird Banding Laboratory. The exception are bands from foreign banding schemes. Foreign and other bands are listed here with a general indication of where they can be reported.
About Federal Bird Bands
There are three common types of bands used on wild birds in North America: (1) standard butt-end bands, (2) lock-on bands used on hawks and owls, (3) rivet bands used on eagles.