Although it may be impossible to know for certain how a bird died, knowing where, when, and in what condition the bird was found helps. If the bird was found by a road, it may have been struck by a car. If cats prowl the neighborhood, perhaps it was killed by one. If few remains are left, probably a predator killed and ate the bird. If the bird is intact, it may have flown into a window or a wire. Death could also be due to disease or other natural causes.

We keep records of bird deaths as a way to monitor the environment. For example, a rash of dead birds in an area may indicate a spraying of pesticides or some other environmental problem.

If the dead bird is from the wild and not a Pigeon, and has a band on its leg, remove the band - it is split and will bend easily - and bury the bird. Note the time, date, and place it was found, along with the name and address of the person who found it and any information on how it died. The band should be mailed with the above information to:

Bird Banding, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Laurel, MD 02810

You will receive a reply telling you where and by whom the bird was banded. Wild migratory birds are banded only by federally licensed bird banders. The bands are thin and flat and made of aluminum. Each has a different number on it. They are used to learn about the travels and lives of wild birds.

If the dead bird is a Pigeon with a band on its leg, it is a domestic bird banded by its owner. Remove the band, bury the bird, and send the band to:

RI Racing Pigeon Club, PO Box 2082, Pawtucket, RI 02861

We may be able to use dead birds other than Pigeons, Starlings, and Herring Gulls as specimens if the bird is in good condition. Please call (401) 949-5454 before bringing dead birds to our headquarters at Powder Mill Ledges, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield. If we can accept the bird, it should be placed in a plastic bag and kept frozen until it can be delivered to us. If the bird is damaged, bury it outdoors.