Report a banded bird
Report a banded bird that has ‘Dominion Museum’ or ‘National Museum’ written on its band.
Español - Reportando el avistamiento de un ave anillada
On this page:
How to report a banded bird
What should I do with the bird?
How to report a banded bird
If you have found a live or dead banded bird, the Department of Conservation (DOC) would like you to report your find. DOC may provide you with the history of the banded bird and will appreciate the information you supply.
Do not remove a band from a live bird.
Take a close look at the band(s).
If the band has ‘Dominion Museum’, ‘National Museum’, ‘Wildlife’, or ‘Department of Conservation’ written somewhere on it, use the relevant DOC form to report your find:
Gamebird band report form
Non-gamebird band report form
If you find a different type of band, visit the DOC website to find out what to do:
For more information on banded birds in New Zealand, visit:
Reporting a bird band – DOC
Banded fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa). Photograph by and courtesy of Peter Reese
What should I do with the bird?
If you found the bird alive and healthy, release the bird with its band. Do not remove a band from a live bird.
Most native birds are protected, and even their remains cannot be retained without a permit. You should contact Te Papa or DOC as soon as possible to ensure the best use of any dead bird found.
If you found the bird dead and it is not a waterfowl (for example, a duck, goose, or swan), it could be of scientific use to Te Papa. Place the dead bird in a sealed plastic bag and freeze it, noting the band number and details of the bird. Then use our online enquiry form below to check with the Bird Collection Manager whether Te Papa would like it.
Contact Te Papa with information about your bird
Please don’t send us the specimen unless we ask you to – contact Te Papa with information about your bird first.
Bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica baueri). Photograph by and courtesy of Phil Battley