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Native animals

Birds

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Birds
- Bird banding

Reporting a bird band

Online reporting:

Non-gamebird band report form
Gamebird band report form

Remember never remove a band from a live bird.

If you have found a bird band and wish to report a band recovery there are several ways you are able to do this.

Firstly, what type of band do you have?

If you have found a racing pigeon with a band (as in the photograph), then the Pigeon Racing New Zealand website has a online form that you can complete. Or if you wish to make personal contact NZbirds.com has a list of contact details for the various pigeon clubs around New Zealand.

Racing pigeon.
Racing pigeon

If you have a band which has: Wildlife, Department of Conservation, Dominion Museum or National Museum written somewhere on it, then use one of the band recovery forms below. You can also use the forms below if the band has an overseas address on it.

If the band is on a gamebird then use the gamebird band recovery form, if not use the non-gamebird form. See below for a list of what birds are classed as gamebirds.

You may keep these bands if you wish or send them in to the banding office. If you are going to keep a band please ensure that you record the number accurately on the appropriate form below.

Non-gamebird band.
Non-gamebird band

Non-gamebird recovery form

Non-gamebird bands have a letter prefix, as in the example to the right (R-44502).

Covers most non-gamebird New Zealand birds or birds banded with a band or ring from another country. If you are not sure what kind of banded bird you have found you can also use this form.

Gamebird band.
Gamebird band

Gamebird band recovery form

Gamebird bands have a one or two number prefix as in the example to the right (13-82351).

Use this form if you have a band from a gamebird. Gamebirds include: Mallard, grey and paradise ducks, black swan, Canada goose, pukeko, pheasant, and quail.