What to do if you think you have found or seen a falconry bird.

First, let’s establish that it is a falconry bird. Not every bird with bands on its legs are falconry birds. There are official bands used by researchers to track populations and movements, these bands are typically silver colored permanently sealed bands. If you find a bird with one of these bands there are two scenarios, if the bird is sick or wounded, find the nearest wildlife rehabilitator to assist in capture or receive the bird for medical attention. If the bird is deceased, take note of the band numbers and report to USGS. Here is a link, Report a Band | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov). If the bird is active and able to fly, he is probably healthy and simply hunting and passing through the area.

 The falconry bird will typically have a small zip tie style band along with anklets and jesses ( leather or braided straps) hanging down from the legs. First look around and see if someone may be in the area flying that bird or looking for it. If no one is spotted, note time, location, species or description. 

If you have captured or recovered a falconry bird due to being trapped in a pen or is injured/sick, use extreme caution in handling these raptors, the beak looks very imposing but the talons are the birds main weapons, they are powerful and sharp. You do not want to be grabbed by one of these birds. For assistance you can click on the button below and request help in securing the bird. Once the bird is safely secured, note the band number, this will typically be a zip tie style band on the leg with flexible plastic tubing encasing it. Report it here, by clicking on the button below, and give good contact info so that we can get in touch with you and get the bird reunited with the handler or a qualified vet.

Example of USGS Bands

Example of Falconry Equipment