The feather identification lab at the Smithsonian Institution, Museum of Natural History is working closely with the FAA and USDA, Wildlife Services to improve the understanding and prevention of bird strike hazards. Below are guidelines for collecting and submitting feather remains for species identification. These suggestions will improve ID accuracy, reduce turn around time, and enhance the usefulness of the FAA Wildlife Strike Database.
Collect and submit remains as soon as possible.
Provide complete report information regarding the incident
Fill out form FAA 5200-7 (Can be printed from www.faa.gov/arp/pdf/bform.pdf)
Mail report with feather material
Provide your contact information if you wish to be informed of ID
Collect as much material as possible. (Please, do not send whole birds.)
Pluck/pick a variety of feathers from the wings, tail and body
Include any feathers with distinct colors or patterns
Include any downy "fluff" you might find
Include beaks, feet, talons if possible
Even if only a small amount of material is available…send all of it
Do NOT cut off feathers. This removes the downy region we may need to aid in identification
Do NOT use any sticky substance such as tape or post-it notes to attach feathers
Place material in clean plastic/zip-lock bags
Mail the report and material to Dr. Carla Dove at the Smithsonian. She will forward the material to Ed Cleary, FAA, Office of Airport Safety and Standards.
Smithsonian Institution, NMNH
E-610, MRC 116
10th & Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20560
Attn: Carla Dove
The ID turn around time is usually 24 hours from receipt. The reports and ID information are then sent to the USDA, NWRC in Sandusky, Ohio to be entered into the National Database. If you wish to be notified of the identification, please provide us with your contact information (email, phone, etc.) on the report.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Carla Dove
dove.carla@nmnh.si.edu
202-357-2334
Ed Cleary
ed.cleary@faa.gov
202-267-3389
Airport Wildlife Mitigation Website
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