MAPS is a cooperative bird monitoring and research effort among public and private agencies and individual bird banders across the continental United States, Canada, and northern Mexico. The program provides critical, long-term data on population and demographic parameters for over 150 target landbird species at multiple spatial scales.

If you are a qualified and permitted bird bander, we invite you to establish a new MAPS station in the U.S. or Canada or re-establish a station whose operation has ceased. Although the commitment is significant, the rewards are many. By joining the MAPS team, you’ll be contributing to the understanding of the factors that drive bird population trends, and gathering important data for continent-wide conservation efforts on the breeding and non-breeding grounds of landbirds. For more information, please read the MAPS Manual (see link below) or contact MAPS Coordinator Danielle Kaschube.

The MAPS Program utilizes standardized, constant-effort mist netting and banding during the breeding season at an extensive network of stations. A MAPS station is an array of mist nets (usually 10) spread over about 50 acres. The stations can be placed in any habitat where birds are likely to be captured. Many banders work very close to home or their work sites and others band in remote areas – it’s up to you. Stations operate one day in every 10-day period over the course of the breeding season. The starting date varies depending on your latitude, but usually spans eight 10-day periods. Many stations can be operated by 2-3 experienced people, though stations with high capture rates will likely need a larger banding crew.

Much more information on the history of MAPS, the requirements and logistics of station operation, and other topics can be found in the MAPS Manual.

If you feel you need more training before you can take responsibility for running your own MAPS station, you can participate in one of the training classes The Institute for Bird Populations offers.

We hope you’ll take the challenge and become a part of the MAPS team.