Ever seen a bird in the wild with a tiny silver ring on its leg? Maybe- maybe not, but they are out there by the thousands. Actually, millions of birds worldwide are banded each year and released unharmed as a way of studying behavior, migration, breeding success and more! The bird is handled approximately 5- 10 minutes during the banding process. Some birds are captured multiple times without any apparent ill effects from the banding experience.
The U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Laboratory is the governmental agency responsible for issuing permits for the banding of birds in the United States. A report is kept for each banded bird by the Bird Banding Laboratory. Only an official band issued by the federal government may be placed on a bird released into the wild in the United States.
Most bands are made of lightweight aluminum which is produced in 14 different sizes. A unique serial number is stamped into each band for identification. The bands are then given to licensed banders who are trained in how to: handle the bird; recognize the signs of a stressed bird; what to do with an injured bird; how to examine the bird, collect and record data; and how to release the bird.
If you find a banded bird you can file an electronic report by visiting the Bird Banding Laboratory’s web site or call toll-free 1-800-327-BAND (2263) from anywhere in Canada, the United States and most parts of the Caribbean. You will be asked to provide the band number, how, when and where the bird or band was found.
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