Instructions for Banding Birds. iby 
To remove a bird from the gathering cage for banding, reach into 
the cage, blocking the opening around the arm with the other hand, 
and work the bird into a corner. It will almost surely be facing 
away from the operator. Grasp it in such manner as to pinion its 
neck between the thumb and index finger, and the wing tips, tail, and 
feet by the little finger closed against the palm. In this position, the 
bird may be held quietly without using undue force. Strangely 
enough, securing the bird’s head or neck will almost invariably cause 
it to cease struggling. 
BI959M 
Fig. 17.—Manner of holding small bird for banding. Suitable for per- 
sons with stocky hands. (Photograph by Wm. I. Lyon.) 
If the bird is already banded, and only a simple examination is 
necessary, this position need not be changed, as’ the band may be 
readily turned with the free hand and the number read. Or, the bird 
may be allowed to perch on the little finger, the neck secured be- 
tween two fingers, as before. Most birds will rest quietly in this 
position, which has the advantage of permitting an examination of 
the entire body. (See fig. 15.) 
To place a bird in position for banding, grasp its head lightly 
but securely with the thumb and the index and second fingers of the 
other hand; release all other hold and by quickly reversing the posi- 
tion of the bird, draw it through the free hand with its back against 
