What must happen to banded wild birds captured accidentally?

• A. Release and report band information
• B. Keep in captivity for study
• C. Eat the band for protein
• D. Sell the bird with its band

Answer: (A)

When a banded wild bird is captured accidentally, the priority is to release it and report the band information to the appropriate authority. The band is part of a scientific program used to track where the bird has been, how long it lives, and how far it travels. To help the researchers, observe or photograph any readable band details (numbers or colors) if safe, then notify the agency that issued the band—usually the state wildlife agency or the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. They’ll use the information to update their records and may contact you for additional details. Keeping the bird in captivity, eating the band, or selling the bird with its band undermines wildlife research and is not allowed.