The band is being applied.

Before a martin can be banded, the band needs to be opened so that it can be placed on the bird's leg. Here, Rick opens the band with the banding pliers. The nestling is not in distress but it is actually panting.

This is the standard aluminum band issued by the banding lab. The numbers on this band are put into a database. If this band is ever seen and
read, the banding lab will know exactly when and where this bird was born.
This way, information can be gained on its migration habits, breeding, and
range dispersal.

Close up of the last two digits of the standard band.

This nestling is sporting the green and white color band which indicates it was banded in the state of Illinois. Rick normally bands nestlings when they are 12 to 25 days old. This individual happened to be 13 days old.

This is the same female which happened to be on the nest during nest checks. Notice the slide-out tray she is in.

This is a SY female who happened to be on her nest during nest checks. Rick's practice is to normally band only nestlings but he never passes up a chance to get an adult when the opportunity arises.

If you would like to have further information about the use of any of the images from this project, please contact:

Terry Suchma
Executive Director
The Purple Martin Society, NA

FlashPort.Net

Return to Previous Page