# Band Codes — Quick lookup for bird banders

> Reference for bird bander codes, band sizes, and banding notes. (iPhone/iPad app by Nemesis Code.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/band-codes/id509221314 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Nemesis Code](https://appshunter.io/developer/500496365)
- Category: Reference, Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.00/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 14 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2012-03-16
- Data updated: 2026-06-04
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/band-codes/id509221314/reviews.md

## What is Band Codes?

Do you want to quickly find and learn the 4-letter codes which bird banders use to record each species? Do you need a quick reference to look up band sizes used for each species?

The Band Codes app gives you quick access to the shorthand codes for the species names, as well as additional information such as band sizes and important notes regarding banding certain species.

Bird banding is a common research technique to study migration timing and survival of birds. Birds are captured by a variety of methods and an aluminum band is attached to one of their legs. Each band has a unique number that allows researchers to learn about the birds movements and any physiological changes that may have occurred between the times it was captured.

Note: If you are a birder, we suggest that you check out Bird Codes, which is more extensive, including all the species found in the area covered by the American Ornithologists Union.

Banding birds is federally regulated, and only those trained and licensed as banders should attempt to catch and band birds.

## Key features

- 4-letter species codes
- Band size lookup
- Banding notes
- Quick reference
- Ornithological research aid

## Recent user reviews (2 of 2)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/band-codes/id509221314/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Excellent for quick field reference

*2018-11-28*

I found this app to be invaluable as a quick source for band sizescon a recent Costa Rica trip on which I was banding Neotropical migrants. Another reviewer’s criticisms are invalid, I think, because Pigeons/Rock Doves/Rock Pigeons/Columba livia are NOT bandable with U.S. bands and both Spotted Sandpiper and Mourning Dove ARE included in the app’s database. Plus this app is FREE!

### 1/5 — Band Codes

*2013-02-11*

I really like what this app was supposed to do but the app wouldn't even open!

## Frequently asked questions about Band Codes

### What are the 4-letter codes in Band Codes?

The 4-letter codes are shorthand identifiers used by bird banders to record specific bird species in their research. This app provides a quick lookup for these codes.

### Does Band Codes provide information on band sizes?

Yes, Band Codes offers a quick reference for the band sizes used for each bird species. This is crucial for proper bird banding.

### Is Band Codes suitable for beginners in birding?

While Band Codes is a useful reference for banders, the developers suggest checking out 'Bird Codes' for a more extensive list of species if you are a general birder.

### What is the rating of Band Codes?

Band Codes has a rating of 4.0 stars based on 4 user ratings.

### How often is Band Codes updated?

The latest version, 1.2, was released on September 26, 2017. The app was originally released on March 16, 2012.

### What devices support Band Codes?

Band Codes is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices.

### What is the age rating for Band Codes?

Band Codes has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

### Does Band Codes contain advertisements?

No, Band Codes does not contain advertisements.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.2 — 2017-09-26

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Very small compatibility updates with iOS11. There are 3 things you will notice:

1. There are no more black bars above and below the app. It takes up the entire screen!
2. Search starts immediately, instead of after 3 letters. Apparently, phones have gotten faster in the last 4 years. Whoda thunk it?
3. If you catch Pidgey or Spearow, please remember to release after banding. (Whoops... this was apparently written to prep for an iOS10 update. Oh well...)

### 1.1 — 2012-06-18

Social Media links
Improvements to underlying code
Better crash handling- if you have been experiencing crashes on prior versions, please attempt to launch Band Codes at least twice.

### 1.0 — 2012-03-16

No release notes.

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## More apps by Nemesis Code

- [Bird Codes](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bird-codes/id500496362)

All apps by Nemesis Code: https://appshunter.io/developer/500496365

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[nemesis code](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/nemesis-code) · [Over the course of a day, some biologists count the number of times silvereyes visit plastic birdfeeders that are white, black, red, or blue to determine the effect of colour on feeding behaviour. What type of variable is the response variable in this scenario? Question 19Select one: a. Numeric and Continuous b. Categorical and Ordinal c. Categorical and Nominal d. Numeric and Discrete](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/over-the-course-of-a-day-some-biologists-count-the-number-of-times-silvereyes-visit-plastic-birdfeeders-that-are-white-black-red-or-blue-to-determine-the-effect-of-colour-on-feeding-behaviour-what-type-of-variable-is-the-response-variable-in-this-scenario-question-19select-one-a-numeric-and-continuous-b-categorical-and-ordinal-c-categorical-and-nominal-d-numeric-and-discrete)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-04.*
