From: JoAnn

To: Central Florida Bird Watchers

Subject: Scrub Jay Banding Question

>  I have lived in Florida all my life and in the
>  last 5 years have started enjoying it.  My
>  question is what do the bands on the Florida Scrub
>  Jay mean.  I have, I think, 10 that come to me for
>  peanuts and I noticed some of them have 2 bands on
>  each leg.  They are different colors and I would
>  like to know what color means what.  The new
>  babies this year don't have the bands and a couple
>  of the older ones don't either.  Do I have 2
>  separate families?  Any help I would love you
>  forever.  Thanks

Our Reply...

Thank you for visiting the Central Florida Bird Watchers web site and for your great question. The two colored bands on the legs of the Florida Scrub Jays is a method for tracking the birds during their lifetime. The Fish and Wildlife Service representatives are banding the birds to get an understanding of their population growth or decline, approximate age, physical condition, gender, and specific territory. In fact, we will be starting in a Florida Scrub Jay counting project in March 2005.

The Banding Process:

• First they are caught in a net, quickly but carefully removed
• The volunteer records the data on the bands, the current weight, the gender, and measures the length of the bird.
• If the bird does not have a band, the licensed bander will attach and record the new bird's identification bands, where it was caught, the measurements, date and release.
• All of the data is recorded on standardized forms and sent to the recording agency
• If caught again the same process is repeated. Anyone studying the species can request and view the stored data for comparison.
• From these comparisons the researchers are better able to understand the lives of these beautiful gregarious birds.

Here is an excerpt from the USGS "North American Bird Banding Manual"

"I.Code Definition of Additional Information Code
00
Federal numbered metal band only.

01
Colored leg band(s) of plastic or metal (includes painted and anodized bands and colored tape around band). This applies to painted or anodized metal bands federal bands as well as other color bands. Note: two metal bands should never be used on the same tarsus. Color of bands and color(s) of letter(s) and/or symbol(s) may be listed in the "Remarks" section or " Color Marker Code" column of the schedule (Form 3-860). Approval from the appropriate Banding Office is needed for use of colored leg bands."

Thank you again for the great question.

Regards...

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