Plastic Color Bands

Color bands are used as auxiliary markers to aid in identifying individual birds. We offer Darvic, Vynalast Celluloid, and Acetal color bands to suit your research need. Darvic is the trade name for unplasticized PVC, and is dyed with colorfast dyes and is UV resistant. Vynalast material is a tough, rigid PVC product, with excellent UV properties. It is extremely durable and resistant to salt water, which makes it highly suitable for outdoor and marine applications. Celluloid bands are a thermoplastic band type that have limited availability, as much of the sheet material required to make the bands is disappearing. Acetal bands are a type of acetate band that are molded on to a small card or stick, off of which individual bands are snapped off for use.

Regarding color bands (JUNE 2024).  Avinet research Supplies is aware of the essential need for color bands in certain avian research studies. Avinet’s ability to provision color bands to researchers has long been a key service to the ornithological community. In recent years, we have experienced challenges in obtaining color bands of various colors, sizes, and plastic types. We have also observed variation in quality and band specifications. We have been working diligently with our supplier to communicate our known needs and the specifications of the bands that researchers require for the success of their projects. We are also working to take steps to solve the larger, looming issue of color band availability to ensure that Avinet can support future needs of researchers. We encourage researchers to work carefully and creatively with the bands they may currently have. We also welcome communication that may aid in finding solutions to the long-term production challenges of color bands. Please contact us at orders@avinet.com with any suggestions or thoughts.

In the interim we will be managing the supply of color bands to support the needs of researchers. In some cases this may mean that orders for large numbers of color bands may require partial fulfillment.

While we do draw on available data to plan our supply purchases we always welcome insight into the known future needs of researchers and their timeline. Please share that information with us as it may help ensure that you get what you need when you need it. We greatly value your work and the opportunity to support your research and conservation projects.

*4 metal applicators are provided free of charge with the purchase of color bands.

Permits are not required to purchase auxiliary markers at this time.

Need help with choosing the right size band? Consult our Band Size Conversion Chart.