Bird bands, also known as bird rings, are small numbered metal or plastic tags that are attached to the legs of birds to identify individual birds. Bird banding has been used since 1899 as a method for studying bird migration patterns, survival rates, and population dynamics. The band number stamped on each bird band has a specific format that contains information about the bird’s species and where and when it was banded.
Bird Band Number Basics
A typical bird band number consists of up to 9 digits divided into 3 sections:
- 1-3 digit species code – identifies the species of the bird
- 1-4 digit band series – identifies the specific banding project and location
- 1-3 digit individual number – uniquely identifies each individual bird within the band series
For example, a Whimbrel (species #720) banded by the USGS Bird Banding Lab (band series 1221) as individual #555 might have the band number 720-1221-555.
Species Codes
The species code at the beginning of the band number identifies the species of the banded bird according to standardized codes maintained by bird banding organizations in each country.
In the United States, species codes are assigned by the Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) of the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. The BBL maintains an official list of bird species codes from 001 to 999. Some examples are:
| Species Code | Common Name |
|---|---|
| 001 | Red-throated Loon |
| 002 | Pacific Loon |
| 003 | Common Loon |
| 720 | Whimbrel |
| 724 | Long-billed Curlew |
In Canada, species codes are assigned by the Bird Banding Office (BBO) of the Canadian Wildlife Service using a similar numbered list.
In Britain and Europe, species codes follow the sequence used in the book Codes for Birders and Banders published by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). For example, the common blackbird is code M.01.
Band Series
The band series portion of the number identifies the specific banding project and location where the bird was initially banded. This allows tracking of migration patterns and survival rates back to the original banding site.
In the United States, band series are assigned consecutively starting from 1001 at the inception of a new banding station up to 9999. When one series is exhausted, the next project in that region is assigned the next number in sequence. The BBL publishes the North American Banders’ Study Guide which lists all active banding permit-holders and their assigned series.
Some examples of assigned band series in the United States are:
| Band Series | Location | Banding Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1001 | Kent Island, NB | Bowdoin College |
| 2343 | Bon Secour NWR, AL | USFWS |
| 4678 | Upper Klamath NWR, OR | USFWS |
In Canada, the BBO assigns block ranges of band series to each province, starting with series 1000 for Nova Scotia up to series 7000 for British Columbia. Individual banders are assigned numbers within those blocks.
In Britain, the BTO assigns block ranges of band series letters (currently A to Z) to different regions of the country. Individual permit holders receive specific series numbers within those blocks.
Individual Number
The individual number portion of the band sequence distinguishes each bird banded within the overall project. Numbering typically starts at 1 each calendar year or banding season and continues sequentially as more birds are banded.
Individual numbers may be 1 to 3 digits long, allowing each band series to band hundreds to thousands of individual birds. For example, series 1001 from Kent Island, NB above could band birds numbered 1001-001 to 1001-999.
Once a band series fills up its available individual numbers, the permit holder may request an additional new series from the banding authority to continue their project.
Special Band Number Codes
In addition to the regular numbered series described above, there are some special bird band numbers that don’t follow the standard species code – band series – individual number pattern:
- 0-series bands – temporary bands for birds held in captivity for research projects or rehabilitation
- X-series bands – special study marking series of large bands for Trumpeter Swans, Bald Eagles, and other large species
- A-series & Z-series bands – reserved for USFWS and CWS bands not assigned to any specific banding project
Reading a Bird Band
Reading the numbers on a band observed in the field provides information about where and when the bird was originally banded. Here are some tips for deciphering band numbers:
- Refer to bird banding guides to lookup the species code and match the band size/type.
- For USGS bands, use published banding permit holder lists to identify the geographic location and organization.
- The individual number indicates the relative order in which the bird was banded and can provide clues about its minimum age.
Carefully recording all band numbers observed on wild birds provides valuable data for research and conservation efforts.
Reporting Bird Bands
Whenever a banded bird is encountered, the band number should be reported along with the location, date, and other details. In the U.S. and Canada, band sightings can be easily reported online at:
Upon receiving a band report, the bird banding labs can provide information back to the observer about when and where the bird was originally banded. Compiling band sighting data is crucial for fully utilizing bird bands as a research and conservation tool.
Conclusion
Bird band numbers follow a standardized format that encodes information about the species, banding location, and individual identity of each banded bird. Becoming familiar with how to interpret band numbers allows observers to gain insights into a bird’s history and contribute valuable data by reporting band sightings.
Careful banding and band number tracking has helped scientists and conservationists uncover mysteries of bird migration, behavior, and demography over the past century. The tradition and utility of bird banding will certainly continue far into the future.
