Subject: is it possible to identify a bird through its leg flag? [Print This Page] Author: samchang Time: 20/12/2014 15:31 Subject: is it possible to identify a bird through its leg flag?
MP, 27Sep. Is it possibly a Wandering Tattler? The yellowish green leg make it unlikely to be Greenshank, but the bill doesn't look like a Redshank either. The closest one seems to be Wandering Tattler. Also, can I know the species by knowing the flag (H8 in this case)? Please advise. Thanks! Author: ajohn Time: 20/12/2014 19:41
No it is not possible to identify the species of bird from the leg flag number. This is because we use the same letter-number combinations on each species. Making them identifiable to species would mean that we needed more combinations, which would require smaller letters/numbers (so harder to read) or larger flags (more difficult for the birds). When reporting flag sightings it is necessary to report the species as well as the flag combination (or provide a photo).
The metal ring does have a unique number that allows us to recognise the species and individual involved, but this is very difficult to read unless the bird is trapped.
Your bird cannot be a Wandering Tattler, which has never been recorded in Hong Kong so would not have been flagged here. Grey-tailed Tattler does occur, but has not been flagged with the combination H8.
Only a few species have been flagged in Hong Kong with the combination H8, and most can be ruled out immediately. The most likely explanation is that the bird you saw was a Common Redshank. This bird was flagged on 25th September (2 days before your sighting) and was present until at least 9th October. It was a juvenile, which may be why you thought it looked different from other Common Redshanks. A photo would help us to be certain about the species, if you have one. Author: samchang Time: 20/12/2014 23:43
Just noticed the photo disappeared from the post... Here attached again.
Where can I know the history of the tagged bird (as you can give specific date, there must be a place to check it)? Author: samchang Time: 20/12/2014 23:57
Just noticed the photo disappeared from the post... Here attached again.
Where can I know the history of the tagged bird (as you can give specific date, there must be a place to check it)?
Image Attachment: IMG_9612.jpg (21/12/2014 13:22, 165.06 KB) / Download count 339