Double-Banding

Intentional double-banding MUST be authorized in advance by the Bird Banding Offices because it causes differences in reporting rates and record-keeping. The following describes common double-banding situations:

• A second band may be added to a previously banded bird to check the wear and eventual loss of the older band. On the banding schedule (3-860) indicate that the new band was "ADDED TO (band number)".
• Birds may be originally double-banded to monitor band retention and/or wear of two differing band types. Both schedules must indicate "OTHER BAND (number)" and status 607. The individual record (in data files) of each bird is based upon the lower of these two band numbers.
• Inadvertent double-banding should be avoided by segregating previously banded birds from unbanded birds at the time of their removal from the capturing device. Where large numbers of banding-station repeats are expected, banding on one leg (right or left) by all personnel at that station will help alleviate the risk of double-banding.

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