Ringing and Migration 

About: Ringing and Migration is an academic journal published by Taylor & Francis. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Population & Bird ringing. It has an ISSN identifier of 0307-8698. Over the lifetime, 810 publications have been published receiving 8258 citations. The journal is also known as: Ringing and migration.

A review of the use and the effects of marks and devices on birds

Abstract: This paper reviews the use and the effects of marks and devices on birds. Although most papers reporting research on birds make use of marks or devices, very few studies test for harmful effects or data biases caused by these. Many research projects have used marks and devices without encountering any harmful effects of these on the birds being studied. However, where assessments have been made it is clear that all of the methods of marking can have adverse effects, while most devices attached to birds do alter their behaviour to some extent. We conclude that more attention should be given to these effects before the normal assumption of no influence on the biological parameters being studied can be made with confidence. There is a need for careful tests of the effects of marking methods to be undertaken. We hope that this review will assist people studying birds to plan their use of marks and devices in such a way as to minimize problems caused by these research tools.

Fat deposition and migration capacity of robins erithacus rebecula and goldcrests regulus regulus at ottenby, Sweden

Abstract: To investigate migration strategy we have studied the visually observable fat deposits of Robins and Goldcrests and made calculations of flight distance capacity. High fat deposits found in Robins and Goldcrests after one night migrations to Ottenby suggest that these birds could migrate two or more nocturnal stages without refuelling. The long periods needed to recover depleted fat reserves could be one reason for Robins storing fat for more than one nights’ migration. Recoveries in the same autumn of Robins ringed at Ottenby confirm our suggested pattern of fat deposition and migration strategy.

Some comments on the repeatability of measurements

Abstract: Repeatability is the consistency with which an observer measures a set of objects. This statistic can therefore be used both to assess observer performance and to detect changes in the size of the objects between measurements. These uses are described in the context of biometric studies of birds caught by ringers. A simple account is given of how to calculate repeatability and to report the results. Several problems are discussed, with particular emphasis on those caused by the relationship between repeatability and the variability between specimens measured.

Wild birds and human pathogens in the context of ringing and migration

Abstract: Wild birds carry a diversity of micro‐organisms that are pathogenic to humans, may be transmitted over long distances during migrations, and are potentially transmissible to people who handle and ring birds. High‐profile diseases that are associated with carriage by birds include avian influenza, West Nile fever, and Lyme disease. Also potentially important is the existence of an avian reservoir of bacteria that are enteric human pathogens; for example species of Campylobacter and Salmonella, and toxin‐producing strains of Escherichia coli. Wild birds have been implicated in the transfer of these enteric pathogens to people. The subject of wild birds as potential reservoirs of pathogens that may be transmitted to humans in the context of ringing and migration is reviewed and it is recommended that appropriate precautions to minimise risk should be taken during and subsequent to the handling of wild birds.