How to Read Pigeon Bands
Not really sure how to read the band on the pigeon you found?
Please read below and the band letters will tell you the origin of the bird.
Example How To Read A Pigeon Band:
If the band number reads, IF-1234-SCHOLAR-06
The (IF) means it originated from the International Federation organization.
The (1234) is a unique serial number for identifying that bird.
The (SCHOLAR) is the Club Identification Code within the IF organization.
The (09) is simply the year the pigeon was born.
If there is NO band, it is a wild pigeon and no club member owns it. If it is an injured unbanded pigeon, please contact your Humane Society directly.
The banded pigeons could have originated from several organizations. Below are some pigeon organization contacts that hopefully will help you in your search.
To assist in Locating ONLY (IF) International Federation Birds, please contact the IF Lost & Found Coordinator on the Lost Pigeons page.
Pigeon Orgainization Key
IF = INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION
AU = AMERICAN UNION ORGANIZATION
CU or CRPU = CANADIAN PIGEON
UNION
IPB = INDEPENDENT PIGEON BREEDERS - FOY's Pigeon Supply (877) 355-7727.
NPA = NATIONAL PIGEON ASSOCIATION
Please contact the above organizations by the links on the Lost Pigeons page.