Florida Breeder - 1990s - ABR FL?

OdessaABRFL · Mar 9, 2026

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forums so I hope I am doing this right!

Long story short: I am in possession of a taxidermied blue-throated macaw, which has a band, and I have almost no other information about it. Given that the species is endangered, I want to donate it to a museum, but I have been asked to provide proof of legal breeding. All I have is the code on the band: ABR FL 95 1614. From what I have learned so far, it seems like the breeder might be in Florida, and the bird may have been born in 1995 (which is a bit sad, the bird died at least 15 years ago, so maybe quite young for a parrot.)

I'm hoping there is someone on this forum who goes way back in the Florida breeding scene and might know someone by the initials ABR. As far as I can find, there seems to be no business by those initials - but maybe it's just a specific person? Or a business that is now closed? If anyone has insight, I'd greatly appreciate your help in making sure this gorgeous mount stays preserved for education/research purposes for generations to come.

rheashard2 · Mar 9, 2026

I wish you luck. Band numbers aren't regulated. The combination of letters and numbers is up to breeders. I would also investigate if there's a town, county with that prefix. Yes it can be a specific person, couple letters that had personal meaning. The taxidermy with band makes think it was well loved.

DonnaBudgie · Mar 10, 2026

It's a closed band, right? Closed bands are put in very young chicks and open bands are put on wild caught birds before importing them. Open bands can also be put on domestically bred adult birds that were not banded as chicks.

Breeders are issued bands every year with letters identifying the breeder, the year and the bird number. The initials identify the breeder. It may not be a person's initials.

Try the American Federation of Aviculture first. Google them to find out more. They have a regional branch in Florida.
Also try avian veterinarians and zoos. People who have been in the parrot breeding "business" for a long time would be able to help.
Good luck.