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Banding (Ringing) a Bird
Each year worldwide, millions of birds are safely captured,
banded and released unharmed. Bird banding* is one of the most effective
methods to study the biology, ecology, behavior, movement, breeding
productivity and population demographics of birds. Banding requires a great
deal of skill, patience, knowledge, training and experience.
The following photographs illustrate the key steps to
capture, band and study a bird.
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The bird shown here is the
Bananaquit, a honeycreeper commonly found throughout the Caribbean and parts
of Central and South America. It has many local names including Paw Paw
bird, Marley Quit, Bessie Coban, Yellow See-see, Gusanero, and Sucrier. This
individual was captured and banded on Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas.
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Figure 1 - Bahama Bananaquit
(Coereba flaveola) |
Figure 2 - Mist Net
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One of the most effective
methods to safely capture a bird is with a mist net. These nets are usually
made of black nylon, and are virtually invisible when properly set up in a
study area. This net can be seen against the sky, but is invisible against
the vegetation.
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There are several ways to
safely hold a bird. This photo illustrates the bander’s hold. The bird is
held firmly between the index and middle fingers of the hand, and the other
fingers loosely cupped around the bird to control its movement. This hold
allows the researcher to control the bird while examine the wings, tail, and
body.
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Figure 3 - Bander’s Hold |
Figure 4 - Removing the band from the string
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Once the species of bird is
confirmed, a proper size, serially numbered metal band is removed from the
band string. The band number is checked and recorded. These bands are issued
to licensed banders by the Bird Banding Laboratory of the USGS.
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The band is carefully fitted
around the leg of the bird, squeezed to close it, and checked to make sure
it is properly fitted to the bird.
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Figure 5 - Applying the band
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Figure 6 - Measuring the Wing Chord
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A ruler is used to measure the
wing chord to the nearest millimeter.
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Breeding condition, body molt, and fat content are checked by gently
blowing aside the feathers on the body.
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Figure 7 - Checking breeding condition |
Figure 8 - Uropygial Gland
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Most species of birds have a
special gland at the upper base of their tail that produces a mixture of
waxes and oils. Birds coat their feathers with this oil to keep the feathers
waterproofed, flexible and to help prevent parasites and disease.
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The flight feathers are
examined to determine the amount of feather wear and if feathers are being
replaced (molted).
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Figure 9 - Checking molt and feather wear
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Figure 10 - Skulling the bird
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By wetting the feathers on the
head, the skull can be seen and examined to help determine the age of the
bird. The bird can then be weighed prior to its release.
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The most important step is
accurate recording of all data for each bird. This data is submitted to the
Bird Banding Lab for entry into a central data base. If the bird is again
encountered, a great deal of information can be gained about the birds age,
movement, changes in plumage, weight, and fat and other parameters.
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Figure 11 - All data is carefully recorded
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Figure 12 - Northern Parula
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Banding Recoveries
Bird banding is rewarding. Banders have the privilege of
observing up close some of the most fascinating and beautiful creatures that
share our planet. Some banders are professionals who study birds for a
living. Others are dedicated volunteers who have gained the skills and
knowledge necessary to undertake this method of research.
If you are interested in observing or learning this skill,
contact a bander near you and offer to assist, and always remember that the
safety of the bird is uppermost in importance.
If you are a birdwatcher, remind yourself to look for bands,
especially color bands, on the birds that you are observing. Record the
information and report your sightings to the Bird Banding Lab. Your data
will assist researchers to learn more about the bird you observed.
If you should recover a banded bird, you can report the band
number and circumstances to the Bird Banding Lab by calling 1-800-327-BAND.
*Note: Under U.S. Federal law, it is illegal to handle any
non-game wild bird, either dead or alive, or any part of a bird, including
feathers and bones, unless you have a bird banding permit from the USGS Bird
Banding Lab, or salvage permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, or are
working directly under the supervision of someone with such a license. You
are encouraged, however, to handle a recovered bird to read the band number
and report it to the Bird Banding Lab.
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All images are courtesy of CWBO. All image copyrights are owned by CWBO.
Any use of these images must have permission of CWBO. |
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