Bird Banding Laboratory

The Bird Banding Laboratory is a facility that manages the program of attaching small, uniquely numbered bands to wild birds’ legs. This allows researchers to track bird movements, lifespan, and behavior over time. When a banded bird is later found or recaptured, data is reported back to the laboratory, providing valuable insights into bird migration patterns, population trends, and conservation needs. Operated by the U.S. Geological Survey, it supports scientific research to help protect bird species and understand ecological changes.