E. H. Paxton M. K. Sogge T. J. Koronkiewicz 2005 <p><span>We developed a technique to produce metal (aluminum) color bands, in response to concerns about leg injuries caused by celluloid-plastic color bands applied to Willow Flycatchers (</span><span class="genus-species">Empidonax traillii</span><span>). The technique involves color-anodized aluminum bands (unnumbered blanks and federal numbered bands), with auto pin-striping tape and flexible epoxy sealant, to create a variety of solid, half- and triple-split colors. This allows for hundreds of unique, high-contrast color combinations. During six consecutive years of application, these colored metal bands have resisted color fade compared to conventional celluloid-plastic bands, and have reduced leg injuries in the flycatcher. Although not necessarily warranted for all color-banding studies, these metal bands may provide a lower-impact option for studies of species known to be impacted by plastic color bands.</span></p> application/pdf 10.1648/0273-8570-76.1.94 en Association of Field Ornithologists A technique to produce aluminum color bands for avian research article