Intentional double-banding MUST be authorized in advance by the Bird Banding Offices because it causes differences in reporting rates and record-keeping. The following describes common double-banding situations:
- Birds may be double-banded to monitor band retention and/or wear of two differing band types. To report these birds in Bandit, both bands must be entered, the lower-numbered band as Disposition “D” and the higher number as Disposition “S”. Both records must be status 307.
- “Added-to” -- A second band may be intentionally added to a previously banded bird to check the wear and eventual loss of the older band. To report these birds in Bandit the correct disposition code (6) must be used and the original band entered in the “Replaced or Second Band#” field.
- Inadvertent double-banding should be avoided by segregating previously banded birds from unbanded birds at the time of their removal from the capturing device. Where large numbers of banding-station repeats are expected, banding on one leg (right or left) by all personnel at that station will help alleviate the risk of double-banding. If a bird is inadvertently double-banded it should be reported the same as an “added-to” record, with a “Remark” explaining.