Examples of Federal bands and color markers
Thank you for reporting a bird with a Federal Band or Color Marker!
If you have already reported your Federal Band or Color Marker and want another copy of your Certificate of Appreciation click here
PLEASE NOTE: If the band has the letters "AU", "IF", "CU" "NPA" or "IPB" it is probably a captive pigeon band. Please do not report captive pigeon bands to the BBL, we do not keep a database of these birds. You can find more information at: http://www.pigeon.org/lostbirdinfo.htm
When you submit a report, we will provide you the details about when and where the bird was originally marked. A copy of your report will be provided to the researcher who originally applied the band and/or marker.
Your report will be added to a database maintained cooperatively by the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory and Canadian Wildlife Service, Bird Banding Office. This database contains more than 4 million band encounter records that document movements, longevity, and sources of mortality for North America's migratory birds. This information 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.
If you experience problems using this website, please contact us at bandreports@usgs.gov.