5.4 Bird banding schemes

Bird bands (rings) are a permanent marking technique used to identify individual birds. Each metal band carries its own unique prefix and number. Bands allow researchers and conservation managers to study the life cycle (births, deaths, age of breeding), habits such as bird behaviour, breeding activities and what they eat, and also the movements of birds. National bird banding schemes allow for certification for banders and issue banding certificates. They also support the training of banders, manage banding data and supply bands and other equipment to banders.
If your country does not have a national bird banding scheme, it is possible for Pacific projects to request the use of bands issued by recognised national banding schemes (see Section 5.4.1) and utilise an existing banding database.