How to Order Bands

In the U.S., Master banders can use the Band Order Form 3-644 to order bands or other banding supplies from the Bird Banding Laboratory. Orders are also acceptable by FAX to 301-497-5717, by using the online order form or by sending e-mail to BBL@usgs.gov as long as the orders contain the same information as the form including federal banding permit number. In Canada, use "Request for bird banding supplies" (form 061-1653). Orders will be filled only for master permittees. Bands are not available to the general public or to subpermittees.

Orders for unusual band sizes and types (rivet bands, hard metal bands supplied by the Bird Banding Offices, hummingbird bands) should include a statement of need or reference to authorizations previously obtained from the Bird Banding Offices in the remarks section.

Bands will be shipped to the address on the bander's permit unless otherwise indicated in the "Remarks" section of the order form. Your permit number must be included on the order form. Bands should be ordered to last the duration of a banding project or 12 months, whichever is less.

Except under unusual circumstances, the minimum orders of bands of various types and sizes are as follows

• Hummingbird Bands
  • U.S. 100 bands
  • Canada 5 bands
  Bander MUST have authorization for hummingbirds from the appropriate banding office.
• Lock-on or rivet - 5 bands
• Butt-end bands
  • 0 through 3A - 100 bands
  • 4 through 9C - 5 bands

Bands are mailed within 10 working days from the time that orders are received in Canada, or within one or two days of receipt of the order in the United States. However, occasionally some bands are out of stock. To prevent delays, please allow AT LEAST 30 DAYS for filling an order. If bands are needed by a specific date, indicate this on the band order. Ordering bands by telephone is discouraged. Banders should place band orders between April 1 and September 30, if possible, because this is the slowest time of year. The Bird Banding Offices provide only metal Service bands. Pliers and other materials must be obtained from other suppliers. A suppliers list is available upon request from the Bird Banding Laboratory.

Bands are shipped via first class mail within the US. Small shipments of bands outside the contiguous 48 states are via airmail.

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