Bird banding has played a critical role in helping biologists understand the movement ecology and demographics of raptors for almost a hundred years (Thomson 1926, Bildstein 2006). Color-banding, too, has made significant contributions to the field (Varland et al. 2007). Longevity records for banded raptors demonstrate that traditional aluminum bands can remain readable, at least in-hand, for decades (Klimkiewicz and Futcher 1989). Little published information, however, exists on color-band wear and loss.
Many researchers (see Varland et al. 2007 for review) have used colored metal bands with alphanumeric codes successfully on raptors. In many cases, the bands have been engraved anodized aluminum bands manufactured by Acraft Sign and Nameplate Co., Ltd., of Edmonton, AB, Canada (Varland et al. 2007). In general, reports to the U.S. Bird Banding Lab by raptor researchers indicate that these bands have proved to be both durable and colorfast...