What type of band must raptors bred in captivity be equipped with?

Raptors bred in captivity are required to be equipped with a seamless metal band or a plastic U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service yellow band. This is crucial for tracking and identifying the birds, as it provides a permanent method of identification that is recognized by regulatory agencies.

The seamless metal band ensures durability and helps prevent the band from becoming loose or faulty, which could lead to loss of identification. The plastic yellow band issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service serves a similar function, providing a reliable means of identification that can be easily recognized by both falconers and officials, thus promoting responsible management of raptor populations.

While other options may represent valid forms of identification or tracking for certain purposes, they do not meet the specific legal requirements for raptors bred in captivity. For instance, color-coded plastic bands may not be used as they do not offer the same permanence or official recognition as the metal bands or the designated yellow bands. Electronic tracking devices, although useful for monitoring bird movements, are not a requirement for identification purposes. Standard steel bands, while similar to seamless metal bands, may not meet specific regulatory standards for raptors bred in captivity.