This bar-tailed godwit has colour bands that can be easily read from a distance. White, yellow, red and blue bands and coloured leg-flags are used in unique combinations of colour and position on each leg. The metal band on the upper left leg also has a number specific to that bird. Records from observers at any point along the migratory route add to the bank of knowledge about the movement of individual birds, and hence about the species. For example, a colour-banded godwit was photographed in Japan two weeks after last being seen in New Zealand.
Using this item
University of Otago
Photograph by Phil Battley
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.
Add new comment