bander

Bander is a term with several meanings, but in contemporary use it most often denotes a person who places identification bands on birds as part of a bird banding program. Bird banding, also known as ringing, involves capturing birds, placing a small metal or plastic ring on one leg, and recording data such as species, age, sex, weight, and location of capture. Bander training typically covers humane capture techniques, proper band application, data entry, and compliance with wildlife regulations. Permits or licenses are usually required, and programs emphasize minimizing stress to birds and avoiding harm. Data collected by banders support research on migration, survival, dispersal, maturation, and population dynamics, and are shared with national or international networks for long-term analysis.

Beyond ornithology, bander exists as a surname in various cultures. In historical or heraldic contexts, the term can appear as an archaic or dialectal reference to a banner bearer or standard attendant, though such usage is rare today.

Etymologically, bander is an agent noun formed from band, with the suffix -er indicating a person who performs the action. The practice of bird banding began in the late 19th century and has since become a widely used method in wildlife research.

See also: bird banding, ringing, banding, standard-bearer.