Songbirds in Snow Forever Stamps

Value: 78¢ – First-Class Mail
Issue Date: August 4, 2016
First Day City: Portland, Oregon
Printed by: Ashton Potter
Printing Method: Offset

Bird banding is one of the most important tools scientists use to study and protect wild birds. By safely capturing birds and placing small aluminum bands with unique identification numbers on their legs, researchers can track lifespans, monitor responses to environmental changes, follow migration routes, and gather other essential data.

The North American Bird Banding Program — a collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey and the Canadian Wildlife Service — collects and analyzes this information every year. Between 1960 and 2016, millions of songbirds were banded in the U.S. alone, helping conservationists identify population trends and respond to declines.

This ongoing research supports efforts to preserve North America’s beloved songbirds — and the unique melodies that enrich our environment — for generations to come.