Banding in Countries Other Than Canada and the United States Under US and/or Canadian permits
There are many government or privately sponsored banding programs throughout the world. Cooperators in the North American Bird Banding Program are encouraged when traveling to contact participants in other banding programs. North American bird bands may not be used in another country without written authorization from the Bird Banding Laboratory (U.S. permittees) or the Canadian Banding Office (Canadian permittees). Banders should not trap or mark birds nor use North American bands in another country without first obtaining any permits or licenses required in that country.
BANDING IN THE NEW WORLD OUTSIDE OF THE USA AND CANADA
In instances where banders wish to extend their banding research activities into foreign countries, the Banding Offices can issue special authorization covering the USE ONLY OF U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BANDS ON NORTH AMERICAN MIGRANT SPECIES in Mexico, Central and South American countries, the Bahamas and West Indies, contingent upon the bander's receipt of necessary permits from authorities in those countries in which the bander proposes to band.
When applying for such authorization, the bander should furnish the appropriate Bird Banding Office with a résumé of the research they propose in the foreign country. Any proposed auxiliary marking of North American migrant species in foreign countries must also be cleared with the Banding Office.
Banders should also furnish similar information when writing to foreign officials for permission to band in their countries. They should include their U.S. Bird Marking and Salvage Permit or Canadian Scientific Permit to Capture and Band Migratory Birds Banding Permit numbers, and list any special authorizations they may wish such as mist nets, auxiliary marking, etc.
Banders should be aware of other countries with jurisdiction in the New World, for example, banders interested in working in Greenland should contact the Copenhagen Bird Ringing Centre regarding permits and rings. North American bands cannot be used in Greenland without the permission of the Copenhagen Scheme.
BANDING IN OTHER THAN NORTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES IN WEST LONGITUDE
If a bander needs to use North American bands in other areas in West Longitude they should request authorization from the appropriate Bird Banding Office at least 60 days prior to the date the permit is needed. In order to expedite the request, the letter requesting authorization should include:
- The geographic area (country and/or state) in which the bander plans to operate
- The likely duration of the banding program
- A brief résumé of the study
If the bander wishes to use any auxiliary marking techniques (color markers, transmitters, etc.) they should also include the information required to process an Auxiliary Marking Authorization.
BANDING IN AREAS OUTSIDE OF WEST LONGITUDE
Except under extraordinary circumstances, the use of North American bands in Europe, Africa, Asia or other areas outside of West Longitude is not authorized. The Bird Banding Offices maintain liaison with other banding programs and will provide addresses to banders traveling abroad.
