U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Birds, Birds, Birds - Text Only

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National Wildlife Refuge System

FAQ'S
Bird Banding FAQs
Q: I spotted or killed a bird with a band, where do I report it?
A:BBL Reporting.
Q:What is done with the information I report off of the bird band?
A:Why Band Birds?
Q:Who Bands Birds?
A:Bird Banders
Visit Patuxent's Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) web pages for program history, types of bands, resources for banders and more related FAQs.

Q: I found and injured bird. Who do I call or Where can I take it?

A:The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does not have rehabilitators here on staff. Call your local veterinarian, humane society, or county or municipal wildlife agency to find the nearest qualified wildlife rehabilitator that can take and treat the bird. Or you could call the Regional FWS Migratory Bird Permit Office to locate a federally permitted migratory bird rehabilitator. You may also access the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) Hotline site or the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) site to help put you in touch with a qualified rehabilitator. While you are locating a suitable rehabilitator, keep the bird in a dark box in a warm, quiet spot. Do not disturb it or offer it food. Let it rest.

Q:Can I keep the bird and nurse it myself?

A:No. It is against the law to keep a bird, injured, orphaned, or otherwise, without the proper permits. In most cases, injured birds required specialized professional attention to survive and to be successfully reestablished in the wild. Maintaining migratory birds as pets is prohibited.

Q:How can I become a migratory bird rehabilitator?

A: A Federal migratory bird rehabilitation permit is required to rehabilitate migratory birds. Most states also require you to have a permit. To qualify for a Federal permit, you must have facilities that meet minimum standards, a veterinarian that will provide critical care, and the ability and knowledge to identify, manage, and care for animals. Click here for the regulations and application form for Federal rehabilitation permits.



Education and Research
Bird Identification
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Birds on National Wildlife Refuges

Educational Materials
Birdscapes Magazine

Conservation Library

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Schoolyard Habitat Project Guide
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Education Programs
Federal Duck Stamp
International Migratory Bird Day
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Schoolyard Habitat

Shorebird Sister Schools

Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds
For The Media

Grants and Partnerships
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Laws, Regulations, and Policy
Laws and Acts
Federal Wildlife and Related Laws Handbook
Hunting Regulations
Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations
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Migratory Bird Permits - Fact Sheet
Migratory Bird & Eagle Permits - Web Site
All Service Permits Page
National Eagle Repository
Policy Statements
Executive Order (EO)
EO Q&As
EO Press Release
List of Migratory Birds
Enforcement
Office Of Law Enforcement

Management
Avian Mortality
Cat Predation
Fatal Light Awareness Program
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Monitoring
Environmental Impact Assessments & Statements

Executive Order
List of Migratory Birds
Double-Crested Cormorants
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Swan Hunting-Pacific Flyway
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Surveys & Monitoring
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Recreation
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www.recreation.gov
www.birder.com
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Festivals and Events
International Migratory Bird Day

National Wildlife Refuge Week
National Wildlife Refuge Centennial
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