Ringing and colour-marking of raptors
Introduction
Bird ringing has been used in Southern Africa for almost 60 years as a cost-effective method to study many aspects of the biology of a
wide range of species, including raptors. The first birds to be ringed in South Africa were a group of 31 Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres
nestlings at the Kransberg colony in Limpopo in 1948.
What is the purpose?
The ringing of birds can be described as a research method in which individual birds are marked. All birds that are ringed are fitted
with an individually-numbered metal ring of suitable size by properly trained and accredited bird ringers. In addition, some birds can
also be marked for better individual identification in the field by using a combination of colour-rings, feather marking, or the fitting of
colour-coded and numbered plastic tags to the birds’ wings. Accurate reports of such marked birds re-sighted or recovered after death
provide important information that support appropriate planning and management decisions to ensure the effective conservation of
a bird species.
The following aspects with regard to the biology of raptors can be obtained by the use of ringing and colour-marking:
• Local movements and dispersal patterns
• Migratory patterns and seasonality of occurrence in an area
• Survival rates and longevity
• Causes of mortalities and threats
Raptor Ringing Protocol
Despite the substantial history of raptor ringing in southern Africa, the Birds of Prey Programme (BoPP) at its Raptor Ringing Workshop
in 2005 identified the need for the drafting of a comprehensive document that will contain appropriate information, guidelines and
techniques for the capture, ringing and release of birds of prey in southern Africa. Experienced ringers and other BoPWG associates
have volunteered to participate in the drafting and publication of the Raptor Ringing Protocol. The South African Bird Ringing Unit
(SAFRING) at the University of Cape Town’s Avian Demography Unit has also pledged its support for this initiative.
Colour-ringing of raptors
A number of raptor species in southern Africa have been colour-marked using a variety of methods. When you do come across raptors,
such as African Fish-Eagles Haliaeetus vocifer, Black Harriers Circus maurus, Southern Pale Chanting Goshawks Melierax canorus, look
out for colour-rings or wing tags and any lettering that they might contain and report such sightings following the guidelines provided
below.
Patagial tagging of vultures
Vultures ringed in southern Africa have, in addition to the prescribed metal rings, also been fitted with colour rings for more
than 30 years. Despite dramatic improvements in technology and materials used to colour-mark birds over the last few years, the
rings used on southern African vultures have remained the same as those first used in the early 1980s. Feedback from observers
indicated that these rings tend to discolour over time and can in some cases be removed fairly easily by the vulture. Once a ring
changes colour or has gone missing, it is impossible to identify the individual bird and the effort of colour-ringing such a bird has thus
been wasted. In view of this, the BoPP has undertaken an assessment of a range of colour-marking methods to decide on a safe and
effective technique that can be used on vultures in southern Africa. The method that has been decided on for future use on vultures
is known as “patagial tagging”. Patagial tagging refers to the fitting of a plastic tag to the “patagium”, or frontal flap of skin on the wing
of the bird. This marking method has been used worldwide with great success on a wide range of bird species, including vultures and
condors in Europe and North America. A small sample of vultures was tagged as part of the assessment process and the re-sighting
results obtained from these birds have already significantly exceeded our initial expectations. Despite this, the method will be continually assessed to ensure the welfare of the birds and continued efficacy thereof. Of course, the BoPP will also rely on members of the
public, landowners and conservation area personnel to report any of the birds that are re-sighted.
BoPP would like to invite you to assist, by recording the details of tags seen on vultures in national parks, nature reserves, vulture
restaurants, and elsewhere. Should such a bird be seen, the observer should record the following details:
• Date
• Time
• Locality
• GPS coordinates (if possible)
• Species
• Habitat
• Condition of the bird
Most importantly, the colour of the tag and its specific alpha-numeric code must be recorded as this will provide us with exact details
of the marking locality. Ideally, observers should also attempt to photograph the tagged bird and submit a low-resolution image (less
than 100kB) with their report. It is also important that the observer provide their name and contact details should we require further
information.
Who should re-sightings and recoveries be reported to?
All relevant information can be reported to the South African Bird Ringing Unit (SAFRING) in Cape Town at telephone number
+27 (0)21 650-2421/2 or [email protected]. Alternatively, you can also contact the Birds of Prey Programme (BoPP) directly at
+27 (0)11 646-4629 or [email protected]. The Birds of Prey Programme (BoPP) is also in the process of setting up a reporting facility
via its website on www.ewt.org.za.
Text by André Botha
For further information, please contact the:
Birds of Prey Programme
Tel: +27-(0)11-486 1102
Fax: +27-(0)11-486 1506
Website: www.ewt.org.za / E-mail: [email protected] (André Botha)