If a raptor dies, what must you leave on the bird before dealing with it?

Leaving the ID bands or microchips on a deceased raptor is crucial for a few reasons. Firstly, these forms of identification are essential for tracking and managing raptor populations. When a bird dies, the ID bands or microchips provide vital information about the bird's origin, including whether it was captive-bred or wild, and the specific individual’s history. This data is important for conservation efforts and helps wildlife management agencies track the health and demographics of raptor populations.

Additionally, keeping the identification on the bird aids in reporting the death to the appropriate authorities. Properly identifying the raptor can provide insight into mortality causes and may help dictate future regulations or changes to management practices. On the other hand, removing the wings, beak, or talons would not serve the same purpose in terms of identification and would hinder the process of data collection and reporting.