Pigeon bands

[J. Esten]

I found that banded leg of a pigeon under our Great Horned Owl nest in Florida this spring.  The email below was in response to my inquiry on locating its owner.  Lots of info.  

Unfortunately pigeons, especially white ones, are let go at weddings.  The birds are clueless and not well adapted to protect themselves from predators.  

Jen Esten

New London

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: cmre...@usgs.gov
Date: April 8, 2024 at 3:11:20 PM EDT
To: jre...@gmail.com
Subject: Aux. Marker Ref. ID: 441643 encountered Apr 03, 2024. Pigeon Letter
Reply-To: cmre...@usgs.gov



Dear JENNIFER ESTEN,

Thank you for your report of a banded pigeon. The Bird Banding Laboratory does not authorize the banding of domesticated pigeons and has no data about this bird. Below is a list of some pigeon clubs that are located in the United States and Canada. Please contact the appropriate club to place a report or find more information on the pigeon that you are reporting.

If the band has the letters ARPU or AU (American Racing Pigeon Union), you can contact them at http://www.pigeon.org

If the band has the letters CU (Canadian Racing Pigeon Union), you can find their band list at http://www.crpu.ca

If the band has the letters IF (International Federation Org.), you can find their band list at http://www.ifpigeon.com

If the band has the letters NPA (National Pigeon Acssociation), you can contact them at http://www.npausa.com

If the band has the letters IPB (Independent Pigeon Breeders), you can contact them at http://www.foyspigeonsupplies.com , or their store at 877-355-7727

If the band has the letters NBRC (National Birmingham Roller Club), you can contact them at http://www.nbrconline.com

If the band has the letters ADA (American Dove Association), you can contact them at http://www.doveline.com


See below your original report submitted to the BBL:

Marker Reference ID: 441643
Type of Marker: Left leg band #1: 2448 Black on Light Green;
Species of Bird: DOVE
Date bird/band obtained: Apr 03, 2024
How bird/band was obtained: Killed or caught by a predator other than a cat
Status of band after obtaining bird: LEFT ON BIRD
Present condition of bird: DEAD

Location where bird/band was obtained:
Country: United States
State/Province: Florida
County/Parish: Palm Beach


Remarks: Full code:AU 2023 HRPC 2448 (also an omega symbol) Leg of bird with band was found under a tree where Great Horned Owls are raising a chick. Friend photographed the owls feeding a gray & white bird to their chick on 4/2/24

Sincerely,
KYRA HARVEY, Biologist
U.S. Geological Survey
Eastern Ecological Science Center
Bird Banding Laboratory
12100 Beech Forest Road
Laurel, Maryland 20708-4037
Email: cmre...@usgs.gov