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Species Numbers, Alpha Codes and Recommended Band Sizes

Taxonomic revisions by the AOU have resulted in many changes in bird classification over the past several decades. The Banding Offices acknowledge these changes and uses the common names and species numbers assigned by the AOU. However, we have maintained the common names and species numbers where the AOU has combined formerly acknowledged species. For some of these species, there is an "unidentified" category, to be used ONLY FOR TRULY UNIDENTIFIABLE OR INTERGRADE INDIVIDUALS --- not in place of subspecific designation. The taxa for which we have included formerly recognized species are: Townsend's Shearwater, Green-winged Teal, Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Brant, Tundra Swan, Great Blue Heron, Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Flicker, Savannah Sparrow, Seaside Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Palm Warbler, and Tufted Titmouse.

The alpha codes provided here are required for reporting bandings to the Bird Banding Laboratory on banding schedules. They are not required or recommended for any other purpose. As a courtesy to those who use these codes for point counts, computerized data bases, etc. we are also providing a list of gallinaceous and other birds that may not be banded with service bands. This makes the species list complete for these users. Go to Gallinaceous and Other Birds

Scientific names are provided only for those species not listed in the "AOU Check-list", 6th ed., 1983 or for species of unusual occurrence.

When more than one band size is indicated, the first is normally the most commonly used. Adjustments must sometimes be made for geographical, sex and age differences.

Entire species table (sorted by species number). (This is a large file and may take a while to download.)

Entire species table (sorted by alpha code). (This is a large file and may take a while to download.)

Entire species table (sorted by common name). (This is a large file and may take a while to download.)

AOUs 001.0 - 099.1
AOUs 100.1 - 199.0
AOUs 200.0 - 288.0
AOUs 312.0 - 399.0
AOUs 400.0 - 498.0
AOUs 500.0 - 599.0
AOUs 600.0 - 699.0
AOUs 700.0 - 798.0
AOUs 801.0 - 881.0
AOUs 906.7 - 999.6

Internal Diameter and Height of Bands

Technical Specifications for Bands

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