The alpha codes provided here are required for reporting bandings to the Bird Banding Laboratory on banding schedules. They are not required or recommended for any other purpose. As a courtesy to those who use these codes for point counts, computerized data bases, etc., there is a list of gallinaceous and other birds that may not be banded with service bands. Go to Gallinaceous and Other Birds.
Alpha code is to be used on the Banding Schedule (Form 3-860). Species number (including leading zero) is to be used on the Schedule. The fourth digit needs to be used only if it is not zero.
When more than one band size is indicated, the first is normally the most commonly used. Adjustments must sometimes be made for geographical, sex and age differences.
ENTIRE SPECIES TABLES (These are large files, and take awhile to download.)
Sorted by Scientific Name (PDF)
Sorted by English Name (PDF)
NOTE: These lists are provided by The Institute for Bird Populations